A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum with multiple stages. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care opti
About Syphilis
A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum with multiple stages
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through several stages if left untreated.
The infection starts with a painless sore (chancre) and can progress to affect multiple organ systems including the heart and brain.
Syphilis is completely curable with penicillin, especially when caught in the early stages.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Painless sore (chancre) at infection site
- Skin rash on palms and soles
- Fever and swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
- Neurological symptoms (late stage)
Possible causes
- Direct contact with syphilis sore
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Mother to baby during pregnancy
Care and treatment options
- Penicillin injection
- Alternative antibiotics for penicillin allergy
- Partner notification and treatment
- Regular follow-up blood tests
- Abstinence during treatment
Key points
- Progresses in stages
- Curable with penicillin
- Can affect brain and heart
- Increasing rates worldwide
- Requires long-term monitoring
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Syphilis the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Syphilis?
A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum with multiple stages This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Syphilis?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Penicillin injection, Alternative antibiotics for penicillin allergy, Partner notification and treatment, Regular follow-up blood tests. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Syphilis be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Syphilis can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.