It is important to note that symptoms of Syphilis can be easy to ignore, as they are often mild and disappear after a while.

There are four stages of Syphilis infection and signs and symptoms are different for each of the stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary).

A firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulcer (chancre) is often found in the primary stage – most commonly two-three weeks after being in contact with the infection.  These usually appear where the infection has entered the body, which means that although they are commonly found in the genital area, they can also appear on the mouth, throat, fingers or buttocks. These can take several weeks to heal, during which time they are extremely infectious. The infection spreads to other parts of the body within the first six weeks and becomes Secondary Syphilis.

Secondary Syphilis

• The most common symptom is a rash which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This is usually not itchy.
• Flu like illness (glands swollen, tired)
• White patches on the roof of the mouth
• Patchy hair loss

Untreated secondary syphilis will then become Latent Syphilis

Latent Syphilis usually presents with no symptoms – this stage can last for many years if untreated and eventually becomes Tertiary Syphilis

Tertiary Syphilis

Many organs may be affected by syphilis symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Painful, non-healing skin ulcers
• Bone pain
• Liver disease
• Anaemia
• Loss of mental functioning
• Heart disease

Syphilis can be detected via a blood test. It can take anywhere up to 12 weeks after being infected to show up in the blood.  This means that you may be advised to return and repeat a blood test if you have been at risk of catching the infection WITHIN the previous 12 weeks.

In the primary stage, if a chancre is present, it may be possible to collect a sample of fluid from this and assess this under the microscope whilst in the clinic.

Tests taken within a sexual health clinic are treated confidentially, a unique clinic number being issued and used in place of a name for each person attending.

Results can be accessed in whichever way is most convenient, whether this is via text, email, telephone, mail, phoning into clinic or via another person  (e.g. friend)

Antibiotics are given (usually penicillin unless there is a genuine allergy).

This may be in the form of an injection and could be either one, two, or three injections, depending on how long you are likely to have had the infection.

During primary & secondary stages of syphilis this would be a cure. At the later stages, treatment will only prevent the syphilis from causing further damage. It is not possible to reverse any damage already caused by the infection.

If you don’t get treatment in the first two stages of having the infection, there is a risk of continuing into the tertiary stage, with the potential for long term damage to internal organs and even death.