Syphilis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

The history and symptoms of syphilis depends on stage of disease. The hallmark of syphilis infection is painless chancre. A positive history of painless chancre on genitalia, and presence of risk factors such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, residence in highly prevalent area and previous history of STIs may be suggestive of syphilis infection. The most common symptoms of syphilis infection include painless chancre which progresses to ulcer with regional lymphadenopathy in primary syphilis. Secondary syphilis is characterised by rash and constiutional sypmtoms. Syphilis infection in tertiary syphilis can involve any organ system, hence named "Great Mimicker".

History and symptoms

The history and symptoms of syphilis according to the stage of disease are described below:

Stage of syphilis	History and symptoms
Primary syphilis	Onset within 3 weeks of contact. History of risk factors Chancre: Single painless firm raised papule Rapidly progresses to an ulcerated lesion Usually located on the glans penis, cervix, labia, anal canal, rectum or oral cavity Regional lymphadenopathy Heals spontaneously within 4-6 weeks; however, regional lymphadenopathy may persist for longer periods.
Secondary syphilis	Develops 6-8 weeks after the appearance of primary chancre. Generalized systemic symptoms such as malaise, fatigue, headache and fever may be present. Skin eruptions may be subtle and asymptomatic. Classic: Non-pruritic bilateral symmetrical mucocutaneous rash Non-tender regional lymphadenopathy Condylomata lata Patchy alopecia
Latent syphilis	Previous history of chancre or rash. Asymptomatic
Tertiary syphilis	Clinical manifestation of this stage depends on organ system involved: Neurosyphilis Altered mental status Dementia Focal neurodeficit affecting hearing and vision Cardiovascular syphilis Aortic Regurgitation Dyspnea on exertion Orthopnea Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea Palpitations (due to compensatory tachycardia) Chest pain (if left ventricular end diastolic pressure compromises coronary perfusion) Congestive heart failure Dyspnea on ordinary exertion Fainting Fatigue Hemoptysis or frothy sputum Nocturia or urination during the night Nocturnal cough Orthopnea or sleeping on pillows Palpitations or extra heart beats Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea Shortness of breath Gummatous lesions Presents with any organ system involved. Nodular papular lesions in case of cutaneous gumma.

References

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