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The symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. In addition, a significant proportion of individuals may remain without symptoms.
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Primary syphilis:
- chancres -- (usually single yet may be multiple) painless sores on genitals, rectum, or mouth
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enlarged lymph nodes in the area adjacent to the chancre
Secondary syphilis:
- skin rash -- usually throughout the body with both flat and raised patches which may involve the palms and soles of the feet.
- extensive lymph node enlargement
- mucous patches (painless silvery ulcerations of mucous membranes -- seen mostly in the mouth and on the genitals)
- condyloma lata: coalescing papules which form a grey-white plaque frequently in folds such as groin, genital areas, axilla, and under the breasts
- hair loss (alopecia)
- general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and aches and pains in bones
Tertiary syphilis:
- infiltrative, destructive lesions of skin, bones, or liver (gummatous syphilis)
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cardiovascular syphilis, which leads to inflammation of the aorta (aortitis) and can be associated with aortic aneurysms
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central nervous system disorders with involvement of the meninges, brain, spinal cord, eye, or auditory system.
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