Possible exposure to syphilis

[peanutbutterrunnergirl, ASN]

Hi everyone!

I usually just read all of everyone else's posts, but this time I have a question of my own! I was recently at work and was taking care of a patient with undiagnosed syphilis who had open sores all over their hands. I was wearing gloves, but was unaware that the patient had syphilis. I brushed my nose with my gloved hand. I did wash my face after the patient was diagnosed. Should I be concerned about having been exposed to the bacteria? And is there anything I need to do? I did inform the providers and one of them said not to worry about it, but I just wanted to confirm.

Thank you!

[LovingLife123]

It’s a sexually transmitted disease. So, unless you had sex............

[Davey Do]

But I understand your concern, PBRG.

Over 20 years ago, I had an MVA victim's blood in my eyes and mouth and, more recently, had to wrestle with a psychotic, spitting patient diagnosed with neurosyphilis, so you just want to be reassured.

[HelloWish, ADN, BSN]

Notify employee health. They will know and reassure you.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

There's a thread title that gets your attention....

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

12 minutes ago, HelloWish said:

Notify employee health. They will know and reassure you.

No, go on the internet and freak yourself out instead of speaking to the proper people.

[peanutbutterrunnergirl, ASN]

2 hours ago, Davey Do said:

But I understand your concern, PBRG.

Over 20 years ago, I had an MVA victim's blood in my eyes and mouth and, more recently, had to wrestle with a psychotic, spitting patient diagnosed with neurosyphilis, so you just want to be reassured.

Thank you! Yes, I am currently a nursing student doing a summer internship so I don't have much experience. I read that syphilis can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact with sores, and I didn't know how concerned to be. I appreciate your kind response!

1 hour ago, HelloWish said:

Notify employee health. They will know and reassure you.

Thank you for the advice! I appreciate it.

[peanutbutterrunnergirl, ASN]

1 hour ago, not.done.yet said:

There's a thread title that gets your attention....

Haha, I guess it does! :)

[Rebeccakb]

Doubt you caught it, but if so it’s treatable with antibiotics

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Agree with others - contact employee health. Best wishes