What are the Symptoms of Syphilis?
Syphilis develops in stages, and there are different symptoms for each stage. Like other STDs, some people don’t experience any signs of the disease. Others don’t show symptoms of Syphilis for many years after infection. Syphilis symptoms in men do not differ greatly from Syphilis symptoms in women.
During the primary stage of syphilis, an infected person gets one or more small sores called chancres. Since the chancre is painless and can be hidden in the vagina or rectum, the sores can go unnoticed. The chancre heals without treatment within six weeks.
During the secondary stage of the disease, symptoms of Syphilis include a rash, often appearing on the palms of hands and soles of feet. The rash typically heals within 12 weeks without scarring.
During the latent stage of syphilis, an infected person shows no symptoms of Syphilis at all. This stage can last for years. In some cases, signs and symptoms of syphilis never return.
The late stage of syphilis develops in 15 percent of people who did not receive treatment. Symptoms of syphilis at this stage include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness and dementia.
Syphilis symptoms in men
- Firm, round, small and painless sores called chancres at the site of the infection
- A rash on one or more areas of the body
- Wart-like sores in the mouth or genital area
- Muscle aches, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
- Patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss and fatigue
Syphilis symptoms in women
- Firm, round, small and painless sores called chancres at the site of the infection
- A rash on one or more areas of the body
- Wart-like sores in the mouth or genital area
- Muscle aches, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
- Patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss and fatigue
Getting a Syphilis test
If displaying any of the signs and symptoms of Syphilis—or any signs and symptoms of STDs, take a Syphilis test. If any past or present sexual partners have the disease, undergo Syphilis testing. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends Syphilis testing to all pregnant women.
Getting a Syphilis test is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis. Left untreated, Syphilis can cause serious health complications. If diagnosed early, Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.
