Syphillis Concern

I have previously posted in HIV prevention but cannot access my account and needed to create a new one. Sorry. I was extremely worried about HIV after an unprotected frottage exposure but condom protected vaginal exposure. Apparently I had no risk, multiple HIV test; last one 52 days post exposure, rapid test and negative. Conclusive, correct? Now my issue is at 28 days post exposure I had a flu like illness; fever for 2 days and after fever subsided 3 days later I had a rash on my stomach. Macopapular. At the same time I took a shower and soap burned one area on my labia. When I got out if the shower I checked myself and only noticed a small white looking streak( tiny). No visible lump. Also the stinging was only at that time and by next day everything felt and looked okay. Rash lasted less than 2 days. Also my fingers (palms appeared reddish but not coin shaped circles.  Maybe a week later I noticed pimple looking rash on buttocks( possibly my pants too tight so from heat and friction.)  By the way I am female. Should I be concerned about syphillis (syphilis)?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

If you cannot find your prior post (and neither can I) and you have not changed your MedHelp pseudonym, then it was deleted. This usually occurs when persons anxieties are out of control and a detriment to the information available to others on this site. Whether this happened with you or not I do not know.  I'll try to help with this question and we'll see where it takes you.

Syphilis is a rare disease and rarer still among heterosexuals. While it can theoretically be transmitted in the course of frottage or even with condom protected intercourse, this too is incredibly rare. Thus the chance that you have syphilis even before we consider other facts is very, very low.  Secondary syphilis can present with a rash but rashes can also occur with many other viral illnesses which is the most likely cause of your symptoms and rash.   Furthermore, it would be quite unusual for a syphilis rash to resolve without treatment after only two days.  While the likelihood that you have syphilis is tiny, you can be completely sure by having a syphilis blood test at this time. if your rash was due to syphilis, your blood test will be positive - 100% of persons with syphilis and rash due to syphilis have positive blood tests.  I find it most unlikely that your rash was due to syphilis however and urge you not to worry while you arrange for a test.  

Finally, I see a comment about an HIV test.  HIV is neither transmitted by frottage or by condom protected intercourse, thus no testing was needed.  A negative HIV test at 52 days following such exposures is simply confirmation of what should already be known, that you did not get HIV from the no risk exposures you describe.

I hope my comments are helpful to you. EWH

[Reallyworried50]

Thank you for your replies; my account and post were not deleted, I was unable to retrieve my password.

2 more questions and I will leave this thread

1. How long after infection does secondary syphilis typically take place?
2. If I was infected and 9 days after exposure had sex with my husband would I have been able to transmit the virus?

Obviously I really regret the extramarital relation I had during a rough spot in my marriage and therefor have extreme guilt and anxiety over this.

Thank you again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

1.  Secondary syphilis typically develops 1-2 months after exposure and never within 2-3 weeks.  
2.  It would be unlikely

I hope this helps.  Through my work on this site I can tell you, I have a profound appreciation for the issues related to guilt and its resulting anxiety.  Take care. EWH

[Reallyworried50]

I had my test last week and am awaiting tge results. In the meantime I am beginning to panic. You stated the chance I had syphillis (syphilis) was tiny, or very very low. Is this because in science there is no 100%  but that my risk really is close to zero ? Is it realistic that I have contracted this disease or is my anxiety working over time. Please I need a little reassurance, if in fact it's close to impossible. Of course I await your response and honesty.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Last answer.  Your risk is miniscule. further repetitive, anxiety-driven questions will be deleted without comment.  EWH

[Reallyworried50]

My apologies for irritating you. Thanks again for your help.