The Stages of Syphilis.
Without treatment, the sexually transmitted
disease, (STD), syphilis in adults progresses through four
stages; primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. An infected
person can easily pass the disease to a sexual partner when
first- or second-stage symptoms are present. For this reason,
people who believe they may have been infected MUST do the
proper decent thing and inform their prospective sexual partners
before sexual activity, whether or not condoms are to be used.
The first stage (primary syphilis) is marked by a very
infectious sore, called a chancre [shan-ker]. The chancre is
usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears at the spot
where the bacteria entered the body. Chancres last 1 to 5 weeks
and heal on their own. Without treatment, the spread of the
bacteria through the blood causes the second stage (secondary
syphilis), which is characterized by a rash that usually does
not itch. The rash can appear as the chancre is fading, or it
can be delayed up to 10 weeks. It often appears as rough,
"copper penny" spots on the palms of the hands and bottom of the
feet. It can also look like prickly heat or appear as small
blotches, a bad case of acne, moist warts in the groin, slimy
white patches in the mouth, coin-sized dark circles, or
chickenpox-like bumps. Other symptoms are fever, swollen glands,
sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle
aches, and tiredness. Second-stage signs and symptoms last 2 to
6 weeks and clear up on their own. If untreated, the infection
progresses to a latent (hidden) stage during which symptoms
disappear and the disease is no longer contagious. The bacteria
remain in the body, though, and can begin to damage vital
organs. In about a third of untreated persons, the results of
the internal damage show up years later in the late (tertiary)
stage. Symptoms include paralysis, inability to coordinate
movements, inability to feel pain, gradual blindness, dementia
(madness) or other personality changes, impotence, blockage or
ballooning of the heart vessels, tumours, damage to knee joints,
and deep sores on the feet. The damage may be serious enough to
cause death. The time between exposure and the start of the
first symptom can range from 10 days to 90 days (average 21
days). Anyone is at risk for syphilis during sexual contact with
an infected person or a person whose syphilis status is not
known. Babies born to infected women are also at risk.
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