The symptoms of syphilis can vary depending on the stage of the infection. Syphilis progresses through several stages, each with its own set of symptoms. Here are the symptoms associated with each stage: 1. Primary syphilis: The primary stage usually begins with the appearance of a painless, firm, round sore called a chancre. The chancre typically develops at the site of infection, such as the genitals, anus, or mouth. It can last for 3 to 6 weeks and then heal on its own, even without treatment. The chancre is usually painless, and its presence may go unnoticed, leading to delayed diagnosis. However, it is highly contagious during this stage. 2. Secondary syphilis: If left untreated, syphilis progresses to the secondary stage. This stage typically occurs a few weeks to several months after the primary stage. Symptoms can include: – Skin rash: A non-itchy rash often appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or other parts of the body. The rash can be reddish or brown and can appear as rough, raised spots or as small, flat, and round patches. – Fever and flu-like symptoms: This can include fatigue, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fever. – Patchy hair loss: Hair loss can occur in small patches or more extensive areas. – Warts or moist sores: Some individuals may develop warts or moist, raised sores in warm, moist areas such as the mouth, genitals, or anus. – Other symptoms: Additional symptoms may include weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and eye inflammation. 3. Latent syphilis: After the secondary stage, syphilis enters a latent stage where there are no visible symptoms. However, the infection is still present in the body. Latent syphilis can last for years, and during this stage, the bacteria can cause damage to various organs, including the heart, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system. 4. Tertiary syphilis: If syphilis remains untreated for many years, it can progress to the tertiary stage. Tertiary syphilis is the most severe stage and can lead to severe complications, such as damage to the heart, blood vessels, brain, nerves, and other organs. Symptoms can include neurological problems, blindness, deafness, mental illness, difficulty coordinating muscle movements, and organ damage.