HomeAnswersInternal Medicinesyphilis transmissionWhat are the risks of treating a dental patient with a red syphilitic rash?

I treated a patient who had a red syphilitic rash on his throat. Will I be affected?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At October 27, 2020
Reviewed AtOctober 27, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a dentist, and I had a patient with a secondary syphilis stage two days ago. I only saw it after the procedure that he is affected. What I did was merely an examination of his teeth, and no drilling, wind, etc. But I touched his saliva, and from what I understood later after seeing the diagnosis is, he had a red syphilitic rash on his throat. I was using nitrile gloves. What are the risk I could get from this infection?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out. I understand your concern. Based on what you presented, your risk is very low since you did not touch the lesion itself, and you were wearing gloves; therefore, there was no skin to skin contact. It is least likely you could have gotten syphilis based on the scenario you presented. I hope I was able to answer your concern. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your quick reply.

Your answer made me feel better. And could it be possible to get this infection when touching the rash wearing gloves?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Getting the infection requires direct skin to skin contact. Wearing gloves can prevent you from getting the disease. I hope I was able to answer your concern. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Peter Bryant Rapsing Grutas
Dr. Peter Bryant Rapsing Grutas

General Medicine

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