How long does syphilis symptoms show?

Syphilis progresses through several stages, and the symptoms associated with each stage can vary in duration and intensity. Here's an overview of the stages of syphilis and their typical symptom timeline:

Primary syphilis: This is the first stage of syphilis, which usually develops within 10 to 90 days after initial exposure to the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The primary symptom is the appearance of a painless, round, firm sore (called a chancre) at the site of infection, typically on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The chancre usually lasts for 2 to 6 weeks before resolving on its own.

Secondary syphilis: If left untreated, primary syphilis progresses to secondary syphilis, which usually occurs within 6 weeks to 6 months after the initial infection. Symptoms may include a skin rash that can appear on the trunk, limbs, palms, and soles. The rash can vary in appearance, often starting as small, reddish-brown spots that may evolve into larger, copper-colored lesions. Other symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks or months but can recur intermittently for up to a year.

Latent syphilis: After secondary syphilis, the infection may enter a latent stage, where there are no noticeable symptoms. This stage can last for months or even years.

Tertiary syphilis: In a small percentage of untreated cases, latent syphilis can progress to tertiary syphilis, which can develop years or decades after the initial infection. This stage involves severe damage to various organs, including the heart, brain, eyes, bones, joints, and skin. Symptoms can vary widely and may include neurological problems (such as personality changes, memory loss, or seizures), cardiovascular issues (such as aortic aneurysm), eye problems (such as vision loss or uveitis), neurological problems (such as tabes dorsalis, a degenerative condition affecting the nervous system), and skin lesions.

It's important to note that not all individuals who contract syphilis will progress through all the stages. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can prevent the progression of the infection and its associated symptoms.