Potentially infectious lesions:
(1) primary chancre on exposed skin
(2) skin lesions of secondary syphilis
(3) neonate with congenital syphilis
Risk factors:
(1) extent of the exposure
(2) presence of gloves or other skin covering
(3) washing of exposed skin immediately afterwards
(4) presence of abrasion or break in the exposed person's skin
(5) immunodeficiency of the person exposed
People at risk:
(1) healthcare providers
(2) family and friends
(3) contact sports
(4) anyone else coming into contact with an infectious lesion
A patient who may have been exposed should have follow-up appropriate for exposure. This may include:
(1) serologic surveillance
(2) monitoring for illness
(3) treatment if there is evidence of infection
