Syphilis Symptoms
Symptoms have multiple stages
Syphilis develops in 3 main stages: primary, secondary, and latent stage. Damage from undiagnosed syphilis can lead to death. Syphilis is sometimes called the “Great Imitator” because its early symptoms mimic other diseases.
Syphilis Symptoms for Primary Stage
Most Common
- single, firm, round, painless sore (called chancre, pronounced SHANG-ker)
- can appear within 10 days to 3 months after exposure
Less Common
- swollen lymph glands (neck, armpit, or groin)
- no obvious symptom (painless sore could be small or inside opening)
Least Common
- multiple firm, round, painless sores (chancres)
- skin rash with rough, red or reddish-brown spots (often on palms of hands and soles of feet)
Syphilis Symptoms for Secondary Stage
Most Common
- swollen lymph glands (neck, armpit, or groin)
- sore throat
- headaches
- feeling tired
Less Common
- mucous membrane lesions (patches) in mouth, vagina, anus or penis
- moist, wart-like patches on the genitals or skin folds (condylomata lata)
- patchy hair loss
- swollen eyes, kidney, liver, spleen, bones, or joints
Least Common
- fever
- lose weight
- muscle aches
- chills
- not feeling hungry
- runny nose
Syphilis Symptoms for Latent Stage
Most Common
- no symptoms at all
Less Common
- repeated symptoms from the secondary stage
- muscle movement problems
- paralysis
- numbness
- losing sight
- dementia (loss of memory, concentration & judgment)
Least Common from Complications Due to Latent Stage Syphilis
