What do syphilis rash look like?

The primary stage of syphilis usually starts about 10 to 90 days after an infected person has contact with someone who already has the infection. The first symptom of syphilis is often a small, round, painless sore known as a chancre (pronounced SHANG-ker). The chancre usually develops on the penis, vagina, anus, or rectum, but it can occur anywhere on the body. The chancre usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks, and it may disappear without treatment.

In some cases, people may develop a rash during the secondary stage of syphilis. This rash can appear anywhere on the body, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash of secondary syphilis is typically red or brown, and it may be itchy. It can last for several weeks or months.

If syphilis is not treated, it can progress to the latent stage, during which the person may not have any symptoms. However, the infection can still be transmitted to others. In some cases, syphilis can progress to the tertiary stage, which can cause serious health problems, such as damage to the heart, brain, eyes, and bones.