Treatments for Congenital Syphilis

Though your obstetrician will go to great lengths to treat your syphilis prior to your infant's birth, there is still the possibility that she can be born with congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis can be disabling and life threatening for your baby if the disease is left untreated. According to The New York Times Health Guide, infants infected with the disease in their mother's womb can die in utero or after birth. If you have been diagnosed with syphilis, or if your infant screens positive for the disease, seek treatment.

• Fetus in the womb

Diagnosis

• Example of an X-ray

  If your newborn begins to show signs of a rash on his genital region or mouth, blisters on his hands or feet, fever, congenital pneumonia and a watery discharge from his nose, your physician will suspect that he has congenital syphilis and will examine the placenta and your child to conclude a diagnosis. Your newborn will have her spleen and liver examined for inflammation, a taletale sign of syphilis. Your newborn may also undergo a bone X-ray, an eye examination and a lumbar puncture to extract fluids for testing under a microscope.

Standard Treatment

• All treatments for syphilis, whether for you or your infant, will be penicillin; pregnant women who are allergic to penicillin can be desensitized before treatment. If you were diagnosed during the earlier stages of the disease, it is easier to cure. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you've been infected for less than a year, you'll need only need one dose. Your infant will also need a dose of penicillin, even if your physician has treated you for the disease.

Dosage

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, treatment for an infant will last for up to 10 days. During your infant's treatment, it is important to finish the entire course of medication. If you miss even one day, you will have to repeat the course.

Penicillin Side Effects

• A side effects from the penicillin is Jarisch-Herxhemier reaction. Your infant may develop fever, chills, body aches, headache and nausea. This reaction lasts for only a few days at the most.

Prevention/Solution

• Practicing safe sex can help you prevent catching syphilis and thus having your child develop congenital syphilis. If you have been diagnosed with the disease, get medical attention as soon as possible. Prenatal care is important. Proper treatment can reduce your infant's chances of developing complications such as blindness, neurological issues, disfigurement and deafness.