Syphilis in Nepal:
Symptoms, Stages & Cure

Syphilis is a complex bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Historically feared in Nepal as 'Bhayankar Rog' due to its destructive nature, it is now easily diagnosable and 100% curable with modern antibiotics. It primarily spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore (chancre) during sexual activity. If left untreated, it progresses through four distinct stages, potentially causing permanent damage to the brain, heart, and nervous system.

The hallmark of the primary stage is the 'Chancre'—a small, firm, and painless sore. It typically appears 3 weeks after infection at the site of entry (genitals, anus, or mouth). Because it is painless and often hidden, many patients in Nepal miss this crucial warning sign.

Weeks after the chancre heals, a non-itchy rash may appear on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. This is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, and 'moth-eaten' hair loss. In Nepal, these rashes are sometimes mistaken for common skin allergies.

A mother can pass syphilis to her unborn child. In Nepal, we strongly recommend syphilis screening for all pregnant women during their first prenatal visit. Early treatment for the mother is highly effective at protecting the baby.

The primary treatment for all stages of syphilis is Penicillin G—an antibiotic that kills the bacteria. For early stages, a single injection is often sufficient. For late or latent stages, a course of weekly injections is required. We follow the latest WHO and Nepal National Guidelines for dosage and administration.