Syphilis Symptoms: Recognizing Primary and Secondary Stages

Primary syphilis

* A single, firm, round, painless sore (chancre) develops at the site of infection, usually on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The chancre appears 10-90 days after exposure to the bacteria. It typically lasts for 2-4 weeks before healing on its own.

Secondary syphilis

* A rash develops on the trunk, arms, and legs. The rash is usually red or copper-colored and may be accompanied by fever, chills, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash may come and go over a period of several months.

* Warts

* Raised, grayish white patches in mouth

* Fever

* Loss of appetite

* Fatigue

* Headaches

Latent syphilis

* This stage of syphilis has no symptoms. It can last for years or decades.

Tertiary syphilis

* This is the most severe stage of syphilis and can occur 10-30 years after the initial infection. It can affect the heart, brain, eyes, bones, joints, and skin. Symptoms of tertiary syphilis can include:

* Shortness of breath

* Chest pain

* Seizures

* Blindness

* Paralysis

* Skin lesions

* Dementia

* Death