Syphilis Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can have serious health consequences if left untreated, including damage to the brain, heart, and other organs. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of syphilis and how you can get tested and treated at Nao Medical.

Primary Syphilis Symptoms

The first symptom of syphilis is often a painless sore or ulcer, called a chancre, that appears at the site of infection. The sore can appear on the genitals, anus, or mouth, and can last for 3 to 6 weeks before disappearing on its own. Because the sore is painless and may go unnoticed, it is important to get tested for syphilis if you have had unprotected sex.

Secondary Syphilis Symptoms

If syphilis is not treated during the primary stage, it can progress to the secondary stage, which can last for several weeks to several months. During this stage, you may experience a rash on your skin, particularly on your palms or the soles of your feet. The rash may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Other symptoms of secondary syphilis can include:

• Patchy hair loss
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

Tertiary Syphilis Symptoms

If syphilis is not treated during the secondary stage, it can progress to the tertiary stage, which can occur years after the initial infection. During this stage, syphilis can cause serious health problems, including:

• Neurosyphilis, which can cause dementia, seizures, and other neurological problems
• Cardiovascular syphilis, which can cause aneurysms and other heart problems
• Gummatous syphilis, which can cause skin lesions and other tissue damage

Testing and Treatment at Nao Medical

If you think you may have been exposed to syphilis or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to get tested and treated as soon as possible. At Nao Medical, we offer confidential and affordable STD testing, including syphilis testing, at our clinics in NYC and NY. Our caring and knowledgeable staff can provide you with the support and treatment you need to stay healthy.

Treatment for syphilis typically involves a course of antibiotics, which can be very effective if the infection is caught early. If you have any questions about syphilis or would like to schedule an appointment for testing or treatment, please visit our website or contact us today.