Primary Syphilis

Painless sore: The first symptom of syphilis is a raised, open sore called a chancre. It usually shows up on the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth 1-3 weeks after exposure, but can take up to 90 days (3 months) to appear. The sore is painless and goes away by itself after several weeks. But don’t ignore it! Even if the sore goes away, syphilis is still in your body. Be sure to get treated as soon as you notice it!

Vision problems: Problems like blurry vision, spots that float through your vision, flashing lights, and eye pain can also start at this stage. 

Without treatment, your infection will progress to Secondary Syphilis. 

Secondary Syphilis

Spotted rash: This stage usually starts with a reddish-brown, spotted rash. The rash most commonly appears on the palms of the hands or bottoms of the feet. But it can also appear on other parts of your body like the chest or back. The rash can be very subtle, and it usually does not itch. The rash can appear as the chancre is healing, or many weeks after the chancre has gone away. It may come and go for up to two years. 

Additional symptoms: Large, raised, gray or white skin growths, known as condyloma lata, may develop in warm, moist areas such as the underarm, groin, penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. Other symptoms at this stage may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, patchy hair loss, weight loss, and headache. These symptoms usually last 2-6 weeks and will clear up on their own. 

Vision problems: Eye and vision problems can also happen at this stage. 

Just like with the sores, when the rash goes away, it does not mean that the syphilis has gone away. Without treatment, it will remain in your body and progress to Latent Syphilis. 

Latent Syphilis

No symptoms: This stage begins when symptoms of secondary syphilis go away. During latent syphilis, there are no signs or symptoms, and the infection can only be detected through a blood test. A relapse to secondary syphilis can occur during the first few years of latency. Latent syphilis is not associated with physical symptoms. But neurological issues such as vision problems can happen at this stage. Untreated latent syphilis can affect your body and health for life. It may also progress to Tertiary (or Late) Syphilis.

Tertiary (Late) Syphilis

Organ damage: About 33% of people who don’t get treated for their syphilis infection suffer serious damage to the brain, nervous system, heart, or other organs. Late syphilis can also cause paralysis, dementia, vision loss, deafness, and heart failure.  

Death: Yes, syphilis can lead to death if left untreated. 

Late Syphilis can still be cured, which can prevent further damage to your body or death. However, treatment cannot repair or reverse damage that has already occurred. So, it’s important to get tested and treated for syphilis as soon as possible.