Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The bacteria are spread during sexual activity and can enter the body through tiny abrasions or cuts in the skin. Before the discovery of antibiotics, doctors were baffled by syphilis because it had no outward symptoms for decades after infection, resulting in it being nicknamed “the great imitator.”
In its first stage (primary syphilis), patients develop a painless open sore known as a chancre. Often this sore is so small that patients do not notice it, and it is frequently mistaken for an insect bite or a pimple. The chancre usually appears on or around the genitals or anus. However, they can also appear on the lips and inside the mouth. If left untreated, primary syphilis will progress to secondary syphilis within three to six weeks, causing rashes and other symptoms.
The most common symptom of secondary syphilis is a rash that appears all over the body. This rash can be very faint or severe, depending on how long it has been since the infection occurred and whether or not treatment has been sought. Other symptoms of secondary syphilis include fever, swollen lymph nodes, hair loss, patchy hair growth around patches of rash, sore throat, headaches, and weight loss. The symptoms of secondary syphilis will go away on their own within a few weeks or months if the disease is left untreated.
Let us look at the symptoms of syphilis in detail below.
Appearance of Small, Round Sores
The first symptom of syphilis is a painless sore on your genitals, mouth, anus, or skin. This sore will be filled with clear or whitish-yellow fluid and may look like a pimple or a bug bite. The sore will not itch, nor will it hurt to touch. However, the appearance of this sore is the first sign that you may have contracted syphilis.
The early stage of syphilis will produce a small, round sore on the genitals or mouth. This can happen within three weeks after exposure to syphilis and will often be painless. Some people will experience an itching sensation before the sore appears. This can occur on the penis, vulva, underarms, and other body parts. The sores will go through various stages of healing and re-appearing until they disappear completely after about six weeks.
Sores can also appear inside the mouth and throat in the later stages of syphilis when it is untreated. This can cause ongoing pain and irritation to the mouth’s gums, tongue, and lining. In addition, women can end up with sores all over their bodies if infected with syphilis at a young age – some might even form on their face and scalp.
If you notice one of these sores and have had unprotected sex in the past three months, you should see your doctor immediately for testing and treatment.
