Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The first sign of syphilis is a painless sore called a chancre. A chancre is like a pimple, blister or open sore that appears 10-90 days (average 21 days) after the bacteria enter the body. The chancre disappears after three to six weeks. The infection will spread to the second stage if the disease is not treated. The second stage starts when one or more areas of the skin break into a rash—which usually doesn't itch. Be on the lookout for a rash on the entire body, on the palms of your hands or on the soles of your feet. Also look for fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and loss of hair, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and tiredness. By the first and the second stages, a person is highly infectious to partners. The third stage of syphilis begins when the second stage symptoms disappear. Without treatment, the infected person still has syphilis even though there are no signs of symptoms. It remains in the body, and it may begin to damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes

, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This internal damage may show up many years later in the late stages of syphilis. Late stage signs and symptoms include not being able to coordinate muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness and dementia. This damage may be serious enough to cause death. Syphilis can be found around the genitals and anus. It also can be found in and around the mouth. Syphilis is transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sore. You can get syphilis during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women can pass syphilis to their fetuses, especially in the early stages of the disease. However, if treated before the 16th week of pregnancy, the fetus will probably not be affected. Children born with syphilis may have no symptoms or the symptoms may be severe enough to cause brain damage and death. Syphilis can be diagnosed and treated at any time with penicillin by injection or a substitute antibiotic for those who are allergic to penicillin. It is recommended that do not have sexual intercourse until the syphilis sores are completely healed. Not having sex at all is the only 100 percent effective, foolproof method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Syphilis can occur in genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom. Syphilis can also occur in areas that are not covered or protected. Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of infection with syphilis only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom.