Primary Stage: 7 to 90 Days After Infection

A single sore appears. It will happen in the area where the infection was passed. Common sites are the external genitals, rectum, tongue, inside of the mouth, or lips.

It will start as a raised and painless sore called a chancre. It will break down to form an ulcer. It lasts for 3 to 6 weeks. The ulcer will heal on its own.

Without treatment, the infection may move to the secondary stage. This can happen even if you cannot see the ulcers anymore.

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Secondary Stage: Several Weeks to Months after the Original Sore

This stage features a non-itchy rash. The rash may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Other rashes may also appear in other places on the body. These rashes may appear as:

• Small blotches, blisters, or scales
• Moist warts in the groin
• Slimy white patches in the mouth

The rash may happen with flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, and muscle aches.

Without treatment, the symptoms will go away within a few weeks. But there may be repeated episodes during the next few years.

Latency (Resting) Stage: May Last for Years

The infection is still present but there are no symptoms. It may or may not progress to the third stage. Blood tests for syphilis will be positive during this stage.

Tertiary (Third or Late) Stage

This stage may start years after the initial infection. It is rare in developed countries. In this stage, the infection damages the:

• Brain and nerves
• Eyes
• Heart and blood vessels
• Liver
• Bones and joints

Damage can be harsh enough to cause death. Symptoms are:

• Small bumps called gummas on the skin, bones, or internal organs
• Blindness
• Central nervous system damage, such as weakness, numbness, trouble walking, problems with balance, memory and mental health problems, and loss of bladder control