Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads when you have sex with someone who has the infection. It is caused by a bacteria and treated with antibiotics. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health problems, including blindness and damage to your brain, heart, eyes and nervous system. Syphilis can progress through four different stages. The infection causes different symptoms in each stage. People are very contagious in the first and second stages and can easily pass the infection to their sex partners. The stages of syphilis are: <b>Primary syphilis:</b> The first stage happens two to 12 weeks after exposure to someone with syphilis. During this stage a small sore called a chancre forms. The sore is often painless. It appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. Most people with syphilis develop only one chancre. Some people get more than one. Many people who have syphilis don't notice the chancre. That's because it's usually painless. It also may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre heals on its own within 3 to 6 weeks. <b>Secondary syphilis:</b> About one to six months after the syphilis sore goes away. During this stage a rash will appear while the first chancre heals or a few weeks after it heals. The rash often starts on the trunk of the body. That includes the chest, stomach area, pelvis and back. In time, it also could appear on the limbs, the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Along with the rash, you may have other symptoms like fever, Sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes Symptoms of secondary syphilis may go away on their own. But without treatment, they could come and go for months or years. <b>Latent syphilis:</b> If you aren't treated for syphilis during the first two stages, the disease moves from the secondary stage to the latent stage. This also is called the hidden stage because you have no symptoms. The latent stage can last for years. Your symptoms may never come back. But without treatment, the disease might lead to major health problems or complications. <b>Tertiary syphilis:</b> After the latent stage, up to 30% to 40% of people with syphilis who don't get treatment have complications known as tertiary syphilis. Another name for it is late syphilis. The disease may damage the: Brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. These problems may happen many years after the original, untreated infection.