Early Syphilis can affect the body in two stages, but often you may have no symptoms at all.
Primary stage (will show within 10 days – 6 weeks) usually a small, red ulcer/sore on the genitals or sometimes around the mouth which heals itself after 3-6 weeks. There may be one or more and they can be painful or painless. You might also notice swollen glands in the area near the sores. If syphilis is not treated it will progress to the second stage.

Secondary stage (will show within 1 week – 6 months after the first stage) may show a rash on the skin, particularly on the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet, and often on the trunk/torso (chest, stomach and back).

There may also be swollen glands, headaches, aches and pains, hair loss, deafness or eye problems. These symptoms may disappear within a few weeks, after which you experience a latent (hidden) phase with no symptoms, which can last for years. After this, syphilis can progress to its third, most dangerous stage.