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A chronic bacterial disease that is contracted chiefly by infection during sexual intercourse, but also congenitally by infection of a developing fetus.

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Spiral-shaped bacterium called Treponema Pallidum

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Syphilis under a Microscope

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Fever

Joint Pain

Hair Loss

Sore throat

Small lesion called Chancre, pink skin rash all over the body

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How syphilis increased between male and female, over the years.

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Impaired vision

Hearing

Stillborn

Bone damage

Severe anemia

Enlarged liver and spleen

Jaundice

Meningitis

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Newborn Syphilis in the U.S.

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Newborn

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The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre . 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 don't notice the chancre because it's usually painless, and it may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre will heal on its own within three to six weeks.

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On the neck

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Breakout on the hair line

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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 wart-like 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.

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Feet

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Tongue

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Breakout of Syphilis on the lip

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Hand

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

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Single injection of Penicillin, unless you have had syphilis for longer than a year, you may need additional doses.

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You face an increased risk of acquiring syphilis if you:

Engage in unprotected sex

Have sex with multiple partners

Are a man who has sex with men

Are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS

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