TH
MM
Syphilis symptoms can be recognized by various signs such as rashes appearing all over the body, including the palms and soles, characterized by red bumps with raised edges that are not painful. If you suspect that you might have syphilis, you can check your symptoms in this article.
Syphilis symptoms to watch for include
- Syphilis symptoms in women
- Syphilis symptoms in men
- Painless red bumps with raised edges
- Rashes all over the body, palms, and soles
- Sores on the tongue related to syphilis
- Syphilis sores around the anus
- Congenital syphilis symptoms
- Syphilis sores in the mouth
Syphilis Symptoms in Women
Generally, the symptoms of syphilis in women and men are similar according to the stage of the disease. In women, symptoms may include sores on the genitals, lips, cervix, or vaginal walls.
Syphilis Symptoms in Men
Symptoms in men are similar to those in women and may appear on the penis, around the scrotum, anus, groin area, and also inside the urethra.
A painless red bump with raised edges
Syphilis symptoms usually start with a sore at the site where the bacteria entered the body. The sore begins as a painless red bump that gradually enlarges, becomes firm to the touch, with raised edges, and its surface is covered with dried blood and lymph fluid.
In men, this type of sore commonly appears on the foreskin of the penis. In women, the sore is usually smaller and may show no symptoms. There may also be swollen lymph nodes in the groin area during the first stage of syphilis.
Rash all over the body, palms, and soles
There may be a rash covering the entire body, including the palms and soles. The rash is not painful or itchy and occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis.
Mouth ulcers – symptoms of syphilis
Ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue, along with rashes inside the mouth, can result from oral sex with an infected partner. These cause small sores on the tongue but usually do not cause pain. They typically appear between 10 days to 3 months after infection.
Syphilis sores around the anus
Syphilis symptoms around the anus can occur in both women and men who have sex with men. This happens through sexual contact involving the genital area and the skin around the anus. Typically, syphilis sores are firm, red or dark-colored bumps that usually don’t hurt much. However, sores around the anus can cause irritation or discomfort during bowel movements.
If the examining doctor is not experienced, these sores are often mistaken for hemorrhoids because firm lumps can be felt. A definitive diagnosis relies on blood tests for syphilis.
Read more: What syphilis looks like — see pictures!
Congenital syphilis
Babies born to mothers with syphilis may be stillborn or die in the womb. Some surviving infants may show symptoms such as paleness, enlarged liver and spleen, deafness, blindness, and abnormalities in teeth and bones.
If you suspect you have syphilis symptoms, you can get tested and treated for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at Intouch Medicare Clinic, which offers affordable services.
Doctors and nurses are always available. All information is kept confidential. No need to worry or feel embarrassed at all. 
Syphilis sores in the mouth
Syphilis sores in the mouth may appear in the early stage of the disease (Primary Syphilis), often resulting from oral contact with sores or secretions of an infected person.
The sores are typically round, red or brownish-gray in color, with smooth edges. They are commonly found on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, or lips.
Interesting Articles
For more info and make appointment
Warangkana Vivulsirikul ,M.D.
General Practitioner
Latest edit : 20/06/2025
Images may be used without prior permission exclusively for educational or informational purposes, as long as proper credit is given to intouchmedicare.com