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Syphilis in Lagos?
Completely Curable, But Only If Treated.

Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum and is resurging in Nigeria. It is completely curable with penicillin, but if untreated, it progresses to cardiovascular and neurological disease over years. At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we test and treat confidentially. See prices.

💬 Book Consultation📞 0816 586 6252
VDRL + TPHA testPenicillin treatment same visitConfidentialWalk-in · Akoka, Lagos
Stages

The Four Stages of Syphilis

Primary syphilis

A single, painless ulcer (chancre) on the genitals, anus, lips, or mouth: 9–90 days after exposure. The painlessness is deceptive, many people miss it or ignore it. It heals on its own after 3–6 weeks, but the infection remains.

Highly infectious: test immediately

Secondary syphilis

4–10 weeks after primary: a widespread rash (classically on palms and soles), flu-like illness, mouth sores, genital warts (condylomata lata). Highly infectious stage. Blood test (VDRL) becomes strongly positive here.

Blood test (VDRL/TPHA) + treatment

Latent syphilis

No symptoms, but VDRL/TPHA remain positive. Early latent is the first year; late latent beyond that. Not infectious via sexual contact after the first year, but mother can still transmit to baby (congenital syphilis).

Blood test confirms: penicillin treatment

Tertiary / neurosyphilis

If untreated for years: damage to the heart (aortitis), brain (dementia, psychosis), and nervous system (tabes dorsalis). Rare now with available treatment, but still occurring in Nigeria.

Specialist referral + IV penicillin
Questions

Syphilis FAQs

How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis is treated with penicillin: the most effective treatment and still fully sensitive. A single intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G treats primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis. Late latent and tertiary syphilis require 3 weekly injections. Penicillin-allergic patients can use doxycycline. Treatment is given at Mascot Healthcare on the same visit as a positive test.
Can I have syphilis without knowing?
Yes, primary syphilis causes a painless ulcer that may go unnoticed, particularly in women (where it can be internal). Latent syphilis has no symptoms at all. A blood test (VDRL/TPHA) is the only way to know for certain.
I'm pregnant and tested positive for syphilis. Is this dangerous for the baby?
Yes, untreated syphilis in pregnancy causes congenital syphilis, which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe disease in the newborn. Treatment with penicillin during pregnancy is safe and effective and should be started immediately. This is why syphilis testing is part of routine antenatal screening.

Our Approach at Mascot Healthcare

Every patient who walks into Mascot Healthcare, Akoka receives a proper clinical assessment, not a guess and a prescription. We use evidence-based guidelines, up-to-date knowledge of Lagos-specific disease patterns, and appropriate investigations to ensure correct diagnosis and targeted treatment.

  • Full clinical history and examination
  • Appropriate investigations: blood tests, urine tests, swabs, or scans as indicated
  • Evidence-based treatment prescribed same visit
  • Follow-up plan and red flag advice
  • Specialist referral with written summary when needed

Get Tested and Treated for Syphilis Today.

Confidential syphilis test and penicillin treatment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Consultations by appointment, see prices.

💬 Book via WhatsApp📞 0816 586 6252
VDRL/TPHA test
See prices
Treatment
Same visit
Confidential
100%

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Last updated 18 October 2026.