Primary Syphilis

Usually, a single ulcer (chancre) appears at the site where the bacteria entered the body. The

genitals are the most common location for chancres to develop, but these ulcers also can form

around the mouth or anus. The chancre is firm and painless, and it oozes fluid that contains

syphilis bacteria. Sometimes, lymph nodes near the ulcer become enlarged, but remain painless.

The chancre of primary syphilis usually heals after one to five weeks, although the person remains

infected.

▪ Painless lesion appears 10-90 days at site of exposure, persists for 1-5 weeks

▪ Multiple lesions (25% of patients)

▪ Often goes unnoticed if it’s not someplace obvious, i.e. inter-vaginally, rectally, orally

Primary syphilitic chancres are usually firm, round, small, and painless, and develop at the spot where the T. pallidum bacteria enter the body. The chancre lasts 1 to 5 weeks, and it heals without treatment. However, if adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.



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