Recognizing Syphilis: What to Look For

If you think you might have been exposed to an STD, the first thing to do is check for signs. Syphilis can show up in several ways, and knowing the patterns saves time and trouble. Below is a plain‑talk rundown of what shows up when, so you can decide whether it’s worth a doctor visit.

Primary Stage – The First Clue

About three weeks after infection, a tiny sore (called a chancre) appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. It’s usually painless, round, and firm, often on the genitals, anus, or mouth. Because it doesn’t hurt, many people never notice it, and it can heal by itself in 3‑6 weeks.

Even if the sore disappears, the infection is still alive inside you. If you see any unexplained bump that lasts more than a few days, get it checked – especially after unprotected sex.

Secondary Stage – The Spread

If untreated, syphilis moves to the secondary stage a few weeks later. This is when skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions show up. The rash often looks like small red‑brown spots that can cover your palms and soles—something you don’t see with most other STDs.

Other signs include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headache, weight loss, and muscle aches. These symptoms feel like a bad flu and may come and go. Because they’re vague, many people mistake them for something else.

Latent & Tertiary Stages – Hidden Danger

If you still haven’t gotten treatment, the disease can hide (latent stage) for years with no symptoms. Doctors call this “asymptomatic,” but the bacteria are still doing damage inside.

Eventually, about 15‑30% of untreated cases progress to tertiary syphilis. This late stage attacks organs: heart problems, nerve issues, and even blindness. You might notice numbness, trouble walking, or a sudden change in vision. At this point, treatment is tougher and damage can be permanent.

What to Do Next?

The quickest way to know for sure is a simple blood test. Many labs offer rapid results, and the treatment—usually a single dose of penicillin—is cheap and effective when caught early.

If you’re pregnant, have HIV, or notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait. Call your doctor, local clinic, or an online pharmacy that offers testing kits. Early detection stops the spread and avoids nasty complications.

Quick Checklist

• Did you notice a painless sore on genitals, mouth, or anus?
• Have you had a rash on palms/soles or unexplained fever?
• Any swollen glands, sore throat, or muscle aches recently?
• Are you experiencing numbness, vision changes, or heart issues?

If you answered yes to any of these, get tested today. Syphilis is easy to treat, but only if you catch it early.