I feel much, much better! Thanks again Dr. Handsfield.
Yes, that sums it up. Even busy STD clinics almost never see anybody with primary syphilis at a site that wasn't directly exposed, i.e. the penis or anus, or once in a while the mouth.
Thank you Dr Handsfield,
I wasnt aware of the questions limits per user. Sorry about that, but thank you very much for answering my question. I'm not so much concerned about getting syphilis on my hand, but rather my hand acting as a "delivery truck" for any fluid/bacteria from his chancre to my genitals. I guess the bacteria just doesnt last that long in the open air. Does that about sum it up?
Thanks Doctor.
Syphilis is not known to be transmitted by hand-genital contact. The secondary stage is particularly infectious because it often includes lesions on moist membranes, like the lining of the vagina, rectum, mouth, etc; those lesions are highly infectious. However, the infection is not readily transmitted from rash of secondary syphilis on dry skin. Further, the skin of your hands is not susceptible to syphilis even if exposed to a chancre. I see no significant risk of syphilis transmission from the event you describe.
Only a limited number of new questions can be accommodated on the forum, which is why MedHelp limits each questioner to 2 questions every 6 months on the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions, no. 8 I believe). This is your third since August. No more before next May, please.
HHH, MD