Syphilis symptoms vary from person to person. In many cases, the infection can be transmitted through sexual contact. In some cases, the infection remains latent without symptoms for many years. However, some people relapse and develop signs and symptoms. This can happen two or more times. During a relapse, the person is still infectious and can transmit the disease through sex.
Symptoms of syphilis
The first symptom of syphilis is an ulcer called a chancre. This will develop anywhere between 10 and 90 days after the initial infection. It is flat and painless and will usually heal on its own in three to 12 weeks, but will remain contagious if not treated.
The disease can be transmitted between partners through sexual contact, especially during the first and second stages. Then, the chancre develops on the penis, scrotum, anus, rectum, lips, and vagina. It will last anywhere from two to six weeks and be painless and accompanied by yellow discharge.
Syphilis is curable in the early stages with antibiotics. However, it is not as curable in the late stages. Treatment will focus on relieving the symptoms and preventing the body from developing new complications. Late-stage syphilis can cause permanent damage that cannot be reversed.
Symptoms of secondary syphilis
Skin lesions and rashes mark secondary syphilis. It can begin anywhere on the body and may last up to three months. Symptoms include a rosy, crusty, or firm red rash on the hands and soles of the feet. These rashes are usually painless and appear three to six weeks after the infection. Symptoms usually improve on their own without any treatment.
In about fifteen percent of untreated cases, the infection can cause late stages of the disease. These late stages can affect the heart, nerves, eyeballs, and spinal cord and can cause paralysis, numbness, and dementia. In some cases, the disease may even result in death.
Symptoms of secondary syphilis should be reported to your local public health unit. They can assess the risk and plan activities to prevent future infections. If you suspect you are infected, you should not have sexual contact with anyone for at least five days. You should also be sure that your sexual partners are tested for syphilis.
Symptoms of Stage 4 syphilis
The first symptom of syphilis is a sore called a chancre, which appears on the skin. This is a non-painful ulcer that develops at the point where bacteria enter the body. The chancre may appear inside the vagina or may be visible outside of it. It is a lesion, similar to a burn, and may bleed occasionally. The lesions may be spread from one person to another.
This form of syphilis may be challenging to diagnose because it can affect the brain, nervous system, bones, joints, and internal organs. It can also cause sudden changes in a patient’s mental state. This form of syphilis can be fatal if not treated quickly.
A rash accompanied by fever is another symptom of Stage 4 syphilis. The rash usually appears two to eight weeks after the initial infection. It may appear on the skin or mucous membranes and can last for weeks or months. It can also cause hair loss.
Symptoms of Stage 5 syphilis
Symptoms of Stage 5 syphilis usually start around three weeks after the first contact with a person infected with syphilis. These symptoms may appear anywhere on the body, including the anal canal, cervix, and mouth. Although this is the most advanced stage, it is still relatively treatable.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and can be spread to other people through any genital contact, including sharing sex toys. It can also be transmitted to other people through shared towels, toilet seats, and food. The best way to get syphilis treatment is to visit your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you will be given antibiotics and a treatment regimen. While you are being treated, it is important to avoid sexual contact until you are free of symptoms.
In some cases, the syphilis infection remains latent for months or even years before it manifests in symptoms. However, if left untreated, this disease can progress to a tertiary stage, which can cause a lot of problems for the victim. It can damage organs, including the heart, nerves, and bones. In some cases, it can even result in death.
