Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. The disease starts as a painless sore — typically on the genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores.

 

After the initial infection, the syphilis bacteria can remain inactive in the body for decades before becoming active again. Early syphilis can be cured, sometimes with a single shot (injection) of penicillin.

 

Without treatment, syphilis can severely damage the heart, brain or other organs, and can be life-threatening. Syphilis can also be passed from mothers to unborn children.

 

Syphilis develops in stages, and symptoms vary with each stage. But the stages may overlap, and symptoms do not always occur in the same order. You may be infected with syphilis without noticing any symptoms for years.

 

The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre (SHANG-kur). The sore appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. While most people infected with syphilis develop only one chancre, some people develop several of them.

 

The chancre usually develops about three weeks after exposure. Many people who have syphilis do not notice the chancre because it is usually painless, and it may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre will heal on its own within three to six weeks.

 

Within a few weeks of the original chancre healing, you may experience a rash that begins on your trunk but eventually covers your entire body — even the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.

 

This rash is usually not itchy and may be accompanied by wartlike sores in your mouth or genital area. Some people also experience hair loss, muscle aches, a fever, a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. These signs and symptoms may disappear within a few weeks or repeatedly come and go for as long as a year.

 

If you are not treated for syphilis, the disease moves from the secondary stage to the hidden (latent) stage, when you have no symptoms. The latent stage can last for years. Signs and symptoms may never return, or the disease may progress to the third (tertiary) stage.

 

About 15% to 30% of people infected with syphilis who do not get treatment will develop complications known as tertiary syphilis. In the late stage, the disease may damage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. These problems may occur many years after the original, untreated infection.

 

At any stage, syphilis can spread and, among other damage, cause damage to the brain and nervous system and the eye.

 

Babies born to women who have syphilis can become infected through the placenta or during birth. Most newborns with congenital syphilis have no symptoms, although some experience a rash on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet.

 

Later signs and symptoms may include deafness, teeth deformities and saddle nose — where the bridge of the nose collapses.

 

However, babies born with syphilis can also be born too early, may die in the womb before birth or can die after birth.

 

Call your doctor if you or your child experiences any unusual discharge, sore or rash — particularly if it occurs in the groin area.

 

The cause of syphilis is a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The most common way syphilis is spread is through contact with an infected persons sore during sexual activity. The bacteria enter the body through minor cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes. Syphilis is contagious during its primary and secondary stages, and sometimes in the early latent period.

 

Less commonly, syphilis may spread through direct contact with an active lesion, such as during kissing. It can also be passed from mothers to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth.

 

Syphilis can not be spread by using the same toilet, bathtub, clothing or eating utensils, or from doorknobs, swimming pools or hot tubs.

 

Once cured, syphilis does not return on its own. However, you can become reinfected if you have contact with someones syphilis sore.

 

You face an increased risk of acquiring syphilis if you:

 

 

Without treatment, syphilis can lead to damage throughout your body. Syphilis also increases the risk of HIV infection and can cause problems during pregnancy. Treatment can help prevent future damage but can not repair or reverse damage that is already occurred.

 

There is no vaccine for syphilis. To help prevent the spread of syphilis, follow these suggestions: