Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spiral bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis consists ofthree main stages, primary stage, secondary stage, and latent stage. The latent stage may lead to a final stage called thetertiary stage. There are many cures to syphilis, and it is virtually eliminated from today's society. There are a few ways to contract thedisease, all of which can be prevented. The primary stage of syphilis is characterized by a small lesion, called a chancre, which resembles a pimple, blister oropen sore. This occurs anytime between nine days and three months after infection. Fluid from the chancre is extremelyinfectious, but usually painless. Normally it appears on the genitals or near where the bacteria entered the body. It oftenhides and many people never realize that it is there. On women, the sore can be found hidden in the vagina or the foldsof the labia. On men, it usually hides in the folds of the foreskin, under the scrotum, or near the base of the penis. Menmore often than women will also have swollen lymph nodes in the groin. At this stage, the chancre is very infectious. Itwill heal with or without treatment, but the bacteria will remain and begin to spread if untreated. In the secondary stage, occurring about six weeks later, a generalized rash appears. It can last for weeks or months,perhaps up to a year. Painless ulcers develop in the mouth. Most people discover raised areas around the genitals oranus. The bacteria can be easily spread through mucous patches on the raised areas, which are called condylomalata.Flu-like symptoms start to occur, and can come and go for years. These symptoms may include a rash (over entirebody or just on palms of hands and soles of feet), a sore in the mouth, swollen and painful joints, aching bones, and amild fever or headache. These symptoms usually disappear in 3 to 12 weeks. Some people even experience hair lossduring the secondary stage of syph...
