o Primary syphilis: The first symptom of syphilis is a single, raised sore called a chancre. It usually appears on the genitals, mouth or rectum about three weeks after exposure. The sore is painless and can last for several weeks and go away by itself. However, without treatment, the disease can progress to the next stage.
o Secondary syphilis: This stage typically starts with a reddish-brown, spotted rash on one or more areas of the body. The rash, which most often occurs on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, usually does not itch. The rash can appear as the chancre is healing or several weeks after the sore is gone. The rash can come and go for up to two years. Other symptoms during this stage may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, patchy hair loss, weight loss and headache. These symptoms usually last two to six weeks and will clear up with or without treatment.
o Latent syphilis: The latent stage begins when symptoms from the secondary stage disappear. During this stage, the disease shows no signs or symptoms; it can only be detected by blood test. A relapse of secondary syphilis can occur during the first two years of latency. Without treatment, latent syphilis continues for life and may progress to the final stage.
o Tertiary (late) syphilis: Tertiary syphilis can cause paralysis, mental problems, blindness, deafness, heart failure and even death. Though treatment at this stage will cure the disease and stop future damage, it cannot repair or reverse the damage that occurred before treatment.
