Question: I had sex with a woman who recently has been diagnosed with syphilis. I used a condom and followed standard safe sex procedures. A few weeks later, I noticed what appeared to be a sore that burned somewhat intensely halfway down my thigh on the front side. There was no oozing, but it had the appearance of an ulcer (primarily whitish with reddish skin at the outer margins and adjacent skin). To my knowledge, the skin was not broken. Is this indicative of syphilis or another STD? Thanks.

Thanks for your response. I do not recall any symptoms other than the sore itself. It came to my attention as I became aware of a burning sensation that originally dismissed as an ingrown hair. When I saw it, however, I noticed it was an open lesion. I never have experienced a sore of this nature. It lasted several days, continued to be irritating, but bacitracin alleviated the discomfort and the sore itself soon abated. My suspicion arose because it occurred a few weeks after exposure and, as noted, it was something I had not experienced before. There still is pinkishness where the sore was and a small amount of scar tissue. I could send a photo if the site allows uploading.

Image Attached

Dr. Basti. Sorry for the poor photo quality on the prior transmission. Here is what should be a better picture of the now closed and healed sore, a few weeks after it was open and raw, with residual pink and red tones and minor scar tissue. There also appears to be a tiny red spot in the center. My final two questions prior to ending my inquiry are (1) whether you see anything in the attached (and improved photo) that would alter your assessment, (2) whether a 1000mg dose of Azithromycin the day after would be sufficient to knock out an infection if I had contracted it, and (3) whether I can relieve myself of the need to take a blood test (which I am not keen on doing unless necessary). I will be notifying my partner of her condition to ensure she receives treatment. Thanks again for your patience in responding to a series of questions and concerns

For purposes of clarification, I had taken the 1000 mg Azythromycin the day after -- it is not something I am contemplating prospectively. Basically, I was asking whether the dosage would have knocked out an infection if I had contracted it. Can you confirm?

I will share the balance of the information with the woman who transmitted it. Hopefully, she is in primary rather than secondary stage. Thanks again, I appreciated the dialogue, and will be looking forward to providing the highest rating for your helpful insights. Are you able to share where you are located?

Thanks again. I appreciate your availability and insights -- and sharing your location. I was curious because I am scheduled to be in Bangladore on some educational projects soon. I thought there might be a possibility, given the time of responses, that you might be in XXXXXXX Perhaps we will have the opportunity to meet again when another medical question arises. Best wishes in the meantime.