Syphilis
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), can be frightening because if it goes untreated, it can lead to serious health problems and increase a person's risk for getting Syphilis, which is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, often doesn't cause any symptoms in the early stages. If the infection goes untreated, it can progress to affect the entire body.
Syphilis typically has three stages, and there can be different symptoms in each.
Primary Syphilis
The symptoms of the first stage of the infection, which is called primary syphilis, typically appear 2 to 12 weeks after sexual contact with an infected person. A painless red sore called a chancre can appear on the genitals, at the area where the infection occurred. Enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands) also might be present in the area. Depending on the type of sexual contact, a chancre might also develop on the mouth or in the rectal area. Chancres are the primary way that syphilis is transmitted between people, but often are unrecognized. Even without treatment, chancres will heal after 3 to 6 weeks, but if the infection isn't treated the disease will progress to the second stage.
Secondary Syphilis
The secondary stage usually begins weeks to months after the chancre sore appears. Syphilis bacteria enter the blood and spread through the body, causing many different symptoms, including rash (small red spots), fever, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, a generally ill feeling, and enlarged lymph nodes.
The rash of secondary syphilis can develop on the palms and on the soles, in addition to the trunk, arms, and legs. Gray or white wart-like patches of skin called condylomata can appear on the moist areas around the mouth, anus, and vagina. These lesions are full of bacteria and very contagious. In the secondary stage, syphilis may also affect the liver, kidneys, and eyes, or cause Because syphilis is an STD, the best way to prevent getting it is to abstain from having sex. Sexual activity with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one sex partner also increases the risk of contracting an STD.
When properly and consistently used, Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: August 2007