Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics if it is detected early, but if left untreated, it can cause serious health problems.
Syphilis develops in stages, and each stage has its own set of symptoms. The symptoms of syphilis may be mild or nonexistent, making it difficult to detect. Here are the symptoms of each stage of syphilis:
Primary Syphilis:
The first symptom of syphilis is a painless sore called a chancre. This sore appears at the site of infection, usually on the genitals, anus, or mouth. It usually appears 2-3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. The sore is usually firm, round, and small, and it may go away on its own after a few weeks. However, even if the sore goes away, the infection is still present and can be transmitted to others.
Secondary Syphilis:
The second stage of syphilis begins when the bacteria spread throughout the body. This stage usually begins 2-10 weeks after the appearance of the chancre. The symptoms of secondary syphilis can be mild or severe and may include:
A rash that appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but can also appear on other parts of the body.
Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.
Fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches.
Patchy hair loss, especially on the scalp.
These symptoms may last for a few weeks or come and go over the course of a year.
Latent Syphilis:
After the symptoms of secondary syphilis disappear, the infection enters a period of latency. During this period, the bacteria remain in the body but do not cause any symptoms. This stage can last for years and can only be detected through blood tests.
Tertiary Syphilis:
If syphilis is left untreated, it can progress to the tertiary stage, which can cause serious health problems. This stage usually occurs 10-30 years after the initial infection. The symptoms of tertiary syphilis can include:
Blindness
Deafness
Memory loss
Difficulty coordinating muscle movements
Numbness in the fingers and toes
Paralysis
Heart disease
Meningitis
The symptoms of syphilis can be mild or severe, and they can mimic the symptoms of other diseases. It is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to syphilis. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but treatment is more effective when the infection is caught early.
