Swollen Lymph Nodes
Prevalence aside, many people are still unfamiliar with some of the symptoms of this STD. For example, one symptom that often goes unnoticed is swollen lymph nodes, or, more specifically, non-glandular, non-tender lymph nodes. In many cases, these swollen lymph nodes aren’t noticeable unless someone’s healthcare provider performs an exam and manually feels for them. But if you’re trying to self-diagnose and determine whether or not you have syphilis, you should be aware that this may be one way your body reacts to the infection.
Infected lymph nodes may feel different than healthy ones. Lymph nodes have their nerve supply, so they can sometimes feel sore or tender if there is an infection. Sometimes people will also notice a change in the size of their lymph nodes. Finally, if someone has a lot of swollen lymph nodes, this can make their skin feel tight or tingly.
If you have swollen lymph nodes and you’re worried that you may have syphilis, it’s important to see a doctor immediately so they can perform tests to determine the cause. Of course, it’s possible that the swelling could be due to another problem entirely, such as a different STD, but if it turns out to be caused by syphilis, the sooner you begin treatment, the better.