Red flags & when to go in person for Syphilis (Suspected) - Testing Pathway

Audience: pediatric

Syphilis is an infection that can affect children if exposed, often through close contact with an infected person. Early detection and testing are important to prevent complications. Telemedicine can help you understand symptoms and guide you on when to seek testing. However, some signs need urgent in-person care. This guide explains red flags that mean you should visit a healthcare provider directly, what telemedicine can assist with, and how to prepare for a tele-visit. Remember, telemedicine is for education and advice but cannot replace physical exams or laboratory tests. If your child shows serious symptoms or if you are unsure, it is important to get in-person medical help promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — go to emergency care immediately.
• Severe headache, neck stiffness, or confusion — seek urgent medical attention.
• High fever that does not improve or sudden weakness/numbness — visit a healthcare facility right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about syphilis and its symptoms.
• Assessing symptom history and exposure risks.
• Guiding when to seek in-person testing or emergency care.
• Answering follow-up questions after testing or treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations.
• Conducting laboratory tests for syphilis diagnosis.
• Administering treatments or medications.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms requiring immediate care.

What is Syphilis and How Does It Affect Children?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread through close contact with an infected person. In children, it can sometimes be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or through close contact with an infected adult. Early stages may cause sores or rashes, but symptoms can be mild or not obvious. Without treatment, syphilis can lead to serious health problems affecting the skin, bones, and nervous system.

Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

In children, symptoms may include painless sores on the skin or mouth, rash on the body or hands and feet, swollen glands, fever, or tiredness. These signs may appear weeks after exposure. Because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other illnesses, careful observation and timely testing are important.

Red Flags: When to Go In Person Immediately

Some symptoms require urgent medical attention. These include:

If your child has any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can provide education about syphilis, help you understand symptoms, and guide you on whether your child needs testing or in-person care. It can also support follow-up questions after testing or treatment. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or lab tests needed to diagnose syphilis.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, gather information such as:

Ensure you have a quiet place with good internet connection for the visit.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Expect

Your healthcare provider may recommend an in-person visit for testing or treatment. Follow their instructions carefully. If your child is tested, results may take several days. Keep monitoring symptoms and seek care if they worsen. Maintain good communication with your healthcare team for ongoing support.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note all symptoms your child is experiencing, including when they started.
• List any known exposures to syphilis or other infections.
• Gather your child's medical history and current medications.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss during the visit.
• Ensure a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection for the tele-visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow healthcare provider’s instructions for in-person testing if recommended.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Keep all follow-up appointments and communicate with your healthcare team.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms appear or worsen.
• Maintain good hygiene and avoid close contact with others until cleared by a provider.

FAQs

Can syphilis be cured in children?

Yes, syphilis can usually be cured with proper antibiotic treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.

How is syphilis tested?

Testing usually involves a blood test that looks for antibodies to the syphilis bacteria. Sometimes, samples from sores may also be tested.

Can telemedicine replace in-person testing for syphilis?

No, telemedicine can guide and educate but cannot replace physical exams or laboratory tests needed to diagnose syphilis.

Is syphilis contagious to others?

Yes, syphilis can be contagious through direct contact with sores or body fluids. It is important to follow healthcare advice to prevent spreading it to others.

What should I do if my child has been exposed to syphilis?

Contact a healthcare provider promptly for advice and testing. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and spread to others.

Sources

1. Syphilis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Syphilis - CDC Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Syphilis in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Syphilis - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for education and triage only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has serious symptoms or you are concerned, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.