When do Syphilis Symptoms Appear?
October 21, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The symptoms of syphilis can appear in stages, and the timeline can vary from person to person. Here are the typical stages and when symptoms may appear:
- Primary Syphilis:
- Timeframe: Symptoms typically appear about 3 weeks after infection, but they can range from 10 to 90 days.
- Symptoms: The primary stage often begins with the appearance of a painless sore or ulcer at the site where the bacterium entered the body. This sore is known as a chancre and can be on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or other areas.
- Secondary Syphilis:
- Timeframe: Secondary symptoms can occur 4 to 10 weeks after the appearance of the chancre, but they can emerge earlier or later.
- Symptoms: Secondary syphilis is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, which can include a rash, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle aches, and mucous membrane lesions. The rash often involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- Latent Syphilis:
- Timeframe: After the secondary stage, the infection can enter a latent (hidden) phase, during which no symptoms are present. This stage can last for years, and sometimes even decades.
- Tertiary Syphilis:
- Timeframe: Tertiary syphilis can develop years or even decades after the initial infection.
- Symptoms: Tertiary syphilis can have serious effects on the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and other organs. Symptoms can include cardiovascular complications, gummatous lesions (destructive sores), and neurosyphilis (affecting the nervous system).
It’s important to note that not everyone infected with syphilis will progress through all these stages. Some individuals may remain in the latent stage indefinitely, while others may progress more rapidly to the tertiary stage.
Early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis are crucial to prevent the development of late-stage complications and to cure the infection. Syphilis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, particularly penicillin. Regular testing for syphilis and other STIs is recommended for individuals at risk and for pregnant women, as syphilis can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy. If you suspect you have been exposed to syphilis or experience any symptoms associated with it, seek medical evaluation and testing promptly.