Have you ever heard of a skin disease called 'Yaws'? Maybe this name is new to you. But it is a short-lived infection that can be seen in some areas, especially among children, and can sometimes damage not only the skin but also the bones. So, there is nothing to worry about, let's talk about this 'Yaws' in detail and very simply today, okay?
What is Yaws? Simply put...
Yaws is a long-term bacterial skin infection . It is caused by a special subspecies of the bacteria `Treponema pallidum` (subspecies pertenue). It starts as a lump on one part of the skin and can spread to other parts of the body over time. If not treated properly, it can recur after months or even years. If this happens, it can cause permanent damage to the skin, bones, and other tissues.
Yaws belongs to a group of bacterial infections called `endemic treponematoses`. It is also known in some regions by the names `pian`, `framboesia` and `bouba`.
What are the stages of Yaws?
There are four main stages of yaws. Let's take a look at what they are.
First stage (Primary Yaws)
This is the stage where you first start to see symptoms . It starts as a small bump on the skin, which gradually grows larger and may even form a crust on top. This usually lasts for about three to six months.
Second stage (Secondary Yaws)
The second stage begins a few months after the first symptoms appear. During this stage , lumps may appear in multiple areas of the skin . Sometimes, these can spread to the bones.
Latent Yaws
At this stage, even if you test positive for the T. pallidum bacteria, you may not have any symptoms . This can last for years. However, it is said that you can still infect someone else during this time.
Tertiary/Late Yaws
If left untreated, about 10% of people who develop yaws will develop this third stage five to ten years after the first symptoms appear. This is also called "late yaws." During this stage , widespread, destructive lesions can develop throughout the body .
What is the difference between Yaws and Syphilis?
You've probably heard of syphilis. The bacteria that causes yaws are very similar to the bacteria that causes syphilis. But the important thing is that yaws is not a sexually transmitted infection . It is spread through a break in the skin, such as a cut or a sore.
What are the symptoms of Yaws?
The main symptoms of yaws are the three stages mentioned above, which include the appearance of bumps, sores, and ulcers on the skin, which spread and change over time. In addition, the following symptoms may also be seen:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pain and swelling in the bones
- Tiredness
- Malaise
Now let's see what the symptoms are like at each stage.
Symptoms of the first stage
This is the first lump that appears on the skin when yaws develops. It is caused by the bacteria `Treponema pallidum pertenue`. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is most often seen on the legs or feet . It is sometimes called the "mother yaw". It starts as a small blister, then turns into a large, itchy ulcer. It may be filled with pus and crust over. It usually heals on its own in a few months, leaving a scar.
Symptoms of the second stage
Symptoms of the second stage usually begin about a month or two after the first rash appears. But sometimes it can start as late as two years. During this stage , rashes appear in several areas of the skin , especially on the arms, legs, and feet. They can look like this:
- Wart-like
- Ulcer- or wound-like
- Raised and bumpy / “raspberry-like”
- A reddish yellow color
- Flat, like a coral
- Thick, hard nature
At this stage, yaws can spread to the bones , causing pain and swelling in the fingers, toes, hands, and feet.
Symptoms of the third stage
If left untreated, some people develop this late stage of yaws five to ten years after the first symptoms appear. By this time, the yaws lesions may have spread to many parts of the body . You may notice things like:
- Large lumps near the joints
- Open wounds that penetrate deep into the skin, cartilage, or bone
- Thick, hard patches (plaques) on the palms and soles of the feet
What causes yaws?
Yaws is caused by a special subspecies of the bacterium Treponema pallidum called pertenue. In the first and second stages of yaws, the bacteria are found in the skin lesions and sores. So, the disease is spread to others by coming into contact with the sores and sores of a person with yaws .
Is Yaws contagious?
Yes, yaws is a contagious disease. It is spread from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact with the yaws rash. For example, when young children are playing together, if a child with a yaws rash gets germs on a small cut or wound on the skin of another child, the disease can spread. Yaws is contagious in the first two stages. It is not contagious in the third stage.
Who gets yaws the most?
In areas of the world where yaws are common, the disease is most common in children under 15 years of age . But adults can also get it. Experts believe that adults in those areas develop immunity to it over time. However, someone who travels from an area where yaws is not common to one of these areas is at risk of developing the disease because they do not have such immunity.
Where is Yaws most common?
Yaws is most commonly seen (endemic) in tropical regions with hot, humid climates . For example:
- Some countries in Southeast Asia
- Countries in West and Central Africa
- In the Pacific Islands
This is usually more prevalent in rural areas.
What are the possible complications of yaws?
If yaws is not treated properly, complications such as:
- Swelling of the fingers and toes (dactylitis)
- Infections of the bones or their outer covering (periostitis)
- Tissue death (necrosis)
- Disfigurement
- Destruction of the bones and cartilage of the nose (`gangosa`)
- Other bacterial infections
- Difficulty walking or other physical limitations due to plaques or other damage on the palms and soles.
These complications are very serious, aren't they? That's why it's important to see a doctor immediately if you have symptoms of yaws.
How is Yaws disease diagnosed?
A doctor will diagnose yaws by examining your skin and asking about your medical history. They may also test samples from sores or blood samples for the bacteria T. pallidum. When viewed under a microscope, the bacteria that cause yaws and the bacteria that cause syphilis look very similar. The only way to tell the difference is by your symptoms.
Can yaws be cured?
Yes, the good news is that yaws can be cured! Usually, a single, high dose of antibiotics can cure it completely. Doctors usually give a pill called `azithromycin` or a vaccine called `benzathine penicillin G`. Yaws can be treated at any stage. However, if you get treatment in the early stages, you can greatly reduce the risk of serious complications.
What happens if you get yaws? What is the outlook?
Yaws is usually a treatable disease . The results are very good, especially if treated early in the infection. However, if left untreated, it can leave permanent scars and disfiguring damage .
How to protect yourself from Yaws?
To protect yourself from yaws, you should avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has yaws . Yaws is not spread through the third-stage skin rash. Also, doctors can give antibiotics to close contacts of someone who has yaws to prevent infection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also implementing a major program to completely eliminate Yaws. What they are doing is treating everyone in communities where Yaws is prevalent, not just those with symptoms.
When should you see a doctor?
If you are in this situation, definitely see a doctor:
- If you have traveled to or live in an area where yaws is common, and you have symptoms.
- If a close relative of yours has been diagnosed with yaws.
- If you have a wound on your body that is not healing, or if it keeps coming back.
If treated early, the infection can be cured before permanent damage occurs.
When should you go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
If you have symptoms of a serious infection like these, go to an emergency room immediately:
- High fever (over 103 Fahrenheit/40 Celsius)
- If the skin around a wound is red, feels hot, or is in severe pain
- Dizziness, weakness
- Heart palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased or lost urination
Questions to ask your doctor
When you go to see your doctor, it's helpful to ask these questions:
- What stage of the disease is this?
- Will my skin get better?
- How can I protect my skin until it heals?
- Do my close relatives also need to take antibiotics?
- How long can I infect someone else?
Finally, remember
Yaws is a skin disease that can start small and spread throughout the body, causing widespread damage. It is most common in areas where health facilities are not easily accessible. If you think you have yaws, see a doctor immediately. It can usually be easily treated with a single dose of antibiotics. However, in the late stages, the damage may not be reversible. Therefore, early treatment is best!
` yaws, framboesia, pian, treponema pallidum pertenue, skin infection, tropical disease, child health
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