Syphilis

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Syphilis Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. In addition, a significant proportion of individuals may remain without symptoms.

Syphilis; primary:

• chancres -- (usually single yet may be multiple) painless sores on genitals, rectum, or mouth
• enlarged lymph nodes in the area adjacent to the chancre

Syphilis; secondary:

• 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

• infiltrative, destructive lesions of skin, bones, or liver (gummatous syphilis)
• cardiovascular syphilis, which leads to inflammation of the aorta (aortitis) and can be associated with aortic aneurysms
• central nervous system disorders with involvement of the meninges, brain, spinal cord, eye, or auditory system.