Syphilis is an STI that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. It can permanently damage your heart, brain, muscles, bones and eyes.
If you suspect you have been exposed to syphilis, your doctor can test your blood for signs of the infection. If you have sores, your doctor can remove fluid or a small piece of skin to examine under a microscope for signs of syphilis. Getting seen by your doctor is important if you suspect you have been exposed to syphilis because the STI can progress through four stages, with different symptoms in each stage:
Primary syphilis: Two to 12 weeks after exposure, a smooth, hard sore called a chancre develops on your genitals or mouth. If you do not get treatment with medication, your infection may move to the second stage. You are highly infectious during this stage.
Secondary syphilis: About one to six months after the syphilis sore goes away, a rough, bumpy syphilis rash appears. The rash can cover your entire body, including your palms and soles (bottoms) of your feet.
Latent syphilis: If you don’t receive treatment during the first two stages, the infection moves into the latent stage and can damage your heart, bones, nerves and organs. This stage can last up to 20 years.
Late (tertiary) syphilis: Only about 20% of people progress to this phase, which causes a range of serious health problems. These problems occur slowly and include:
Brain damage, dementia and cognitive health problems
Heart disease
Movement disorders and muscle problems
Nerve damage
Seizures
Vision problems, including blindness
Your doctor can treat your syphilis infection with antibiotics.