Early syphilis
Early syphilis is a curable bacterial infection spread through intimate skin contact that causes sores and rashes on the body.
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Early syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria, which are tiny germs, that enter the body during sexual contact. It is called 'early' because it refers to the stage within the first year of infection, when the disease is most active but also easiest to treat.
The infection typically affects the genitals, the anus, the mouth, or the skin on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Because the symptoms can be mild or even go away on their own, people often mistakenly believe they are cured, even though the bacteria remain in the body.
Common Symptoms
- A firm, round, and painless sore called a chancre at the spot where the bacteria entered the body.
- A non-itchy skin rash, often appearing on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet.
- Swollen lymph nodes, which are the small, bean-shaped glands found in your neck, armpits, or groin.
- Patchy hair loss or wart-like patches in moist areas of the body.
- Fever, sore throat, or feeling generally tired and achy.