Positive Results after 20 yrs and numerous Penincillin Treatment

[WorriedMom39]

Hello,

I am now 39 and was exposed to sphyllis since 1988.  I have received numerous Benzathine Pencillin over the years and still remain reactive 1-2. I am very worried about my daughter who was born positive but became negative after 2-3 months testing.  Now 6,  will she be embarrased with a history of syphillis in the future should she do a RPR or TPA test.  It is my understanding that once you have had a positive  RPR, your TPA remains positive even if you do not have the disease or was treated.   My son born two years later is negative and my husband is also negative.

I would like to help or save my daughter from the scorn, stare and ridicule that I receive and will until the rest of my life.   My biggest problem is that I do have break outs or syphllids cutaneous on my upper torso, shoulders, and back, depsite the treatment, is this the way I will have to live or will the break out eventually stop? They do itch, and are scaly more like a fungus.  I use Lotrim/Lamisil at all times, these helps with the itch which stops, the rash leave a dark scar. The last Dr. I saw prescribed ketaconzole for the lesions and my dermatologist, told me that it is fungus and gave me Tetracyline and clyndomycin  as well as ketaconzole shampoo to put on the papules, that are more on the back of my neck. They keep coming back depsite the medications I use,  I have since gotten a steriod shot on one of the papules and it has dried up, now I am left with a huge white scar or whitening of skin.  
My last resort is trying to see if I have an autoimmune diseases /cancer as a result of the numerous treatment and medication over the years.


Please help if you can, I really appreciate the info.
I welcome your recommendation should you think we need  to see a specialist.

Thanks, keep up the good work.

Worriedmon

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I think several things are likely to be going on here.  After treatment for syphilis about 20% or more of persons who had syphilis have blood tests which remain positive, typically in the low range with titers of 1:1 OR 1:2 as you have.  This is a residua from the infection but it does not mean that you are still infected.  In fact, it is VERY unlikely that you are still infected.  

Your daughter's positive blood test was your antibodies.  She likely lost them over the few months following her birth because she started making her own antibodies and yours went away, as is normal.  I suspect her blood test is negative now and is not something to worry about.  

As for your recurrent rash, I doubt that it is syphilis.  In addition, your doctor also seems to think this is unlikely since he/she is treating you for a fungal infection rather than syphilis.  further more, the rash of syphilis typically does not scar.  I would suggest working on this with your doctor--perhaps he/she can refer you to a dermatologist for help and further evaluation.  EWH

[WorriedMom39]

Thanks for your response and insight.

May I add that within a 3-8 month period I was given the Penicillin 3 times, (2.4m) my disadvantage is that I am an immigrant and the Drs. here could not ascertain when or if I got the correct treatment.  So they kept giving it to me, and rightly so.

My little understanding (and reiterated by the Nurse who administered the last shots), is that Penicillin kills all the bacteria in the system, good and bad, and I am now susceptible to fungal infection/ candida.  I did notice an increase in yeast infections, and do have issues from time to time. This is rather embarrasing, but I must tell you that my husband said I have severe halitosis, which he noticed after the treatments.

I value your opinion tremendously, what help if any, do you think I would receive from Probiotics, I also read that maybe a prescribed drug could help to improve the overall good bacteria in my system. I think if I get the bacteria in my system under control then the skin rashes will clear up.  I eat healthy and exercise to help maintain a healthy system.

Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

the problem of blood test results that do not change after therapy is more common among immigrants than native U.S. persons, possibly becasue in cases such as your the infection may have been more long standing and thus tougher to get to change.  

As for probiotics, while I have heard much said, I am not aware of any studies which show that they do, or do not, help.  They are not likely to hurt however so I see no harm in giving them a try.  EWH