A bacterial STD that gets into the bloodstream and causes canker sores and rashes.
How you get it
Oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Possibly kissing, since sores can appear on the mouth.
Symptoms
Appear in several stages and need to be paid attention to because the disease must be halted as soon as possible. First a sore appears where contact was made; the sore becomes oozy and eventually dries up. (The oozy stage is the most infectious.) Untreated, the bacteria can live on and then appear as a rash, fever, and headache. If that clears up on its own, the disease can become latent, and the person becomes a carrier.
Prevention
Barrier methods reduce risk. Of course, people should make sure they are cured before resuming sexual activity with anyone.
Treatment
Antibiotics.
Long-term implications
Untreated syphilis can lead to degeneration of vital organs, brain damage, and death.
