ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SYPHILIS: CLINICAL ASPECTS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Introduction The oral manifestations of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, comprise a range of lesions that vary in severity and clinical presentation. These signs can appear at different stages of the disease, from the initial hard chancre to the more serious and destructive lesions in the tertiary phase. Early identification and adequate treatment of these manifestations are crucial to avoid significant complications, which can severely impact the patient's oral health and quality of life. Studying these manifestations is essential to understand the evolution of the disease and improve diagnosis and treatment strategies. Objective The objective of the systematic literature review was to examine in detail the oral manifestations of syphilis, evaluating the clinical implications, diagnostic challenges and treatment options. The review sought to consolidate recent and relevant information on the presentation, impact and management of these oral lesions, based on scientific articles published in the last decade. Methodology The methodology followed the PRISMA checklist to ensure integrity and transparency in the systematic review. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were used, covering articles published in the last 10 years. The five descriptors used were: "syphilis", "oral lesions", "diagnosis", "treatment" and "complications". The inclusion criteria were: studies that specifically addressed oral manifestations of syphilis, peer-reviewed articles and publications in the last 10 years. Studies unrelated to syphilis, non-peer-reviewed articles, and publications older than a decade were excluded. Results Results revealed that oral syphilis lesions include hard chancre, erosions, and gummas, each associated with different stages of infection. . The review highlighted that early diagnosis is essential to prevent progression to more serious stages and complications such as permanent deformities and functional difficulties. Furthermore, penicillin treatment remains the most effective, although alternatives are needed for allergic patients. The interrelationship with other sexually transmitted infections was also emphasized, indicating the need for an integrated approach to management. ConclusionThe review highlighted the importance of a proactive approach in the diagnosis and treatment of oral manifestations of syphilis. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent the disease from progressing and its serious complications. The information obtained confirmed that penicillin is the standard treatment, but alternatives should be considered in specific cases. The interaction with other STIs reinforces the need for comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, aiming to improve the oral and general health of affected patients