Treatment usually involves a 2-week course of intramuscular penicillin injections or, in some cases, oral antibiotics. It is important to complete the full course of treatment.

The sexual partners of the patient should be informed as it is important to test them for syphilis and start treatment if required.

Any oral, vaginal or anal sex should be avoided whilst having treatment.

However, it should be noted that the treatment is only capable of killing the syphilis bacteria and preventing further damage. It cannot repair damage already done to the internal organs, or prevent re-infection if the person is exposed to the bacteria again.