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. Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same