In the case of syphilis, these lesions appear assores or chancres.
The STI has four stages and will present differently at each stage.
This article discusses the lesions at each stage of a syphilis infection.
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At each stage, lesions or sores may develop.
The way they look varies depending on the stage.
Primary Stage
The primary stage of syphilis is the first stage of infection.
The sore will be less than 2 centimeters in diameter.
In some cases, the sore will ooze fluid containing more of the syphilis bacteria.
Sores usually last three to six weeks and heal on their own.
However, treatment is still needed to prevent it from moving to the secondary stage.
People may notice the sore roughly 10 to 90 days after they contracted the bacteria.
The most common timeline for being exposed to the bacteria and developing the sore is three weeks.
Secondary Stage
If left untreated, syphilis will advance to the secondary stage.
This typically occurs roughly two weeks to six months after they were first exposed to the bacteria.
The lesions that develop during the secondary stage are small, open, and can sometimes mimicwarts.
These sores are calledcondylomata lata.
A rash will usually also develop during this stage.
The sores that develop with the rash could be flat or raised and are typically solid to the touch.
This rash tends to pop up on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands.
That said, it can appear anywhere on the body.
They are called gummata.
At first, these sores look like superficial nodules orulcers.
However, over time, they develop into masses that resembletumors.
When the tissue that makes up these lesions dies, it is called necrotic.
The one that develops with sores is called gummatous.
Cardiovascular syphilis affects the heart andcardiovascular system, andneurological syphilisaffects the brain andnervous system.
Neurological syphilis is often considered the most detrimental because it can cause irreversible damage to the brain.
Typically, the latent phase can last anywhere from one to 20 years after the secondary stage.
The tertiary stage is most likely to follow the latent phase.
Diagnosing Syphilis
Diagnosing syphilisrequires a blood test.
This is because, while the physical symptoms can be examined, they can sometimes mimic other health disorders.
When this does occur, it is advised that tests be retaken in two to four weeks.
Some conditions or health issues that have similar lesions as syphilis includegenital herpesandchancroids.
These conditions are easily mistaken during the primary stage.
Because of this, other neurological disorders such asdementiaorstrokecould be suspected.
This is especially true for people who are unaware they have this STI.
Treatment
Since bacteria cause syphilis, the first-line treatment is antibioticsspecificallypenicillin.
Other antibiotics such as doxycycline andceftriaxonecan be used in people that have an allergy to penicillin.
People who suspect syphilis should get tested because it is highly treatable with antibiotics and can mimic other conditions.
If you’re at increased risk for syphilis, get tested even if you don’t have symptoms.
As the infection progresses into the secondary stage, other painless sores also develop.
While pain is possible, it is not a common trait of syphilis lesions.
The sore will also be firm to the touch and can ooze fluid.
The most common areas of the body where you might get syphilis include the genitals and the anal region.
That is because the infection is spread through sexual activity.
However, in some rare instances, lesions can develop on the face, most notably, the tongue.
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