MANILA - Syphilis is just one of many sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that can be transferred from one person to his or her partner.

In DZMM's "Magandang Gabi Dok," dermatologists Emmerson Gale Vista and Ivan Singzon explained that a person can get syphilis if one's sexual partner (including oral sex) is already infected.

Also, it may be passed from mother to child.

It is caused by a bacteria named treponema pallidum, which can be easily distinguished because of the skin manifestation in a patient's body called ulcer or chancre.

It looks like sores in different parts of the body, but it is painless and not itchy.

"Ang lagi kong sinasabi sa mga pasyente ko, kung siya ay makikipagtalik at nagkaroon siya ng syphilis, maaaring nakuha niya ito kung saan may open wound o mucosal area kaya madalas sa ari o sa bibig ito nagkakaroon," according to Vista.

Sometimes, it can even be unnoticed especially among women.

"Madalas sa babae, hindi napapansin ang syphilis kasi ang sintomas, kunwari ang ulcer, nasa loob ng ari ng babae."

Syphilis is also called the "great imitator," because it may look like a viral infection or may easily be mistaken to be another disease.

Singzon said that syphilis can be treated. Sometimes, it can even go away on its own in a matter of weeks.

Vista added, "Madalas, 'pag hindi ito magamot, pagkaraan ng ilang linggo, maaari itong mawala nang walang gamutan."

However, Vista warned that from primary stage, it may also escalate to what they call secondary stage, where more symptoms may occur such as lesions in different parts of the body.

In the secondary stage, the skin manifestation could reach the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Complications may also arise as the disease advances.

A patient may experience neurosyphilis, which may happen during the primary or secondary stage.

"Magkakaroon siya ng ibang sintomas na konektado na sa ulo tulad ng pananakit ng ulo, kombulsyon, o 'di kaya'y panlalabo ng mata o 'yung nagkakaroon ng neuritis 'yung pasyente."

There may also be cases of liver enlargement or problem when it comes to walking.

They also introduced the possibility of tertiary stage of syphilis, where there are lesions and deformities in the face and other parts of the body.

The doctors reminded everyone to always consult specialists if a suspicious rash or lesion is found in the body.

Vista also encourages everyone to not hesitate telling the doctor about their sexual history when asked.

"'Wag sana ang mga kababayan natin matakot kapag tinanong ang sexual history dahil doon malaki ang tsansa na magkaroon ng syphilis kasi ang mode of transmission is through skin-to-skin contact," he said.

Vista and Singzon also told the listeners to be open to their partners if they are infected with syphilis to avoid further complications.