Syphilis Rash, Mouth Sores and Early Signs
Quick answer
The rash of secondary syphilis often starts on one or more areas of the body and can appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can look rough, red or reddish-brown, usually doesn't itch, and can be so faint that it goes unnoticed. Sores can also appear in the mouth, vagina or anus. These signs fade without treatment, but the infection stays, so a blood test is the way to find out, and you can order one online.
Does this sound like what you are seeing?
Tick the field marks that match.
The more of these match, the more reason to order a test online. This is not a diagnosis. Many conditions cause a rash, and only a laboratory test can confirm syphilis.
A rash that doesn’t itch, sores in your mouth, or a feeling of being run down a few weeks after a sexual encounter can be signs of syphilis. They can also be signs of many other things. This page explains what the second stage of syphilis can look like, and why a test is the only way to tell.
What does a syphilis rash look like?
The secondary stage of syphilis usually starts with a rash on one or more areas of the body. The CDC says the rash can appear while the first sore is healing, or several weeks after it has healed.
It can look rough, red or reddish-brown. It usually doesn’t itch, and it is sometimes so faint that you won’t notice it. The NHS adds that it can sometimes spread all over the body.
Can a syphilis rash appear on the palms and soles?
Yes. Rash on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet is a recognized sign. The CDC and the NHS both mention it. MedlinePlus describes it as a non-itchy rash, often on the hands and feet.
It is not the only pattern, though. The rash can show up on other parts of the body, and it can be mild. Not having it on your palms doesn’t rule syphilis out.
Can syphilis cause mouth sores?
Yes. In the secondary stage, the CDC says you may have sores in your mouth, vagina or anus. The NHS lists white patches in the mouth among the later signs, and white or grey warty growths on or around the genitals or anus.
Syphilis can also show up on the lips or in the mouth at the first stage, when the original sore appears where the infection entered the body. If you have a mouth sore after oral sex with a new partner, consider ordering a syphilis test online.
Mouth sores can have several causes, so you can’t tell from the look alone. A test is the only way to know.
What other early signs can come with it?
The CDC lists these other symptoms of the secondary stage:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph glands
- Sore throat
- Patchy hair loss
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
The NHS says hair loss can affect the head, beard and eyebrows, and that these later symptoms can appear up to 3 months after infection. It also notes that symptoms can improve or go away completely, which is why many people assume the problem has passed.
Does the rash go away on its own?
The symptoms of this stage go away whether or not you get treatment, the CDC says. But without the right treatment, the infection moves to the latent stage, when there are no visible signs, and may later reach the tertiary stage.
The CDC says most people with untreated syphilis do not develop tertiary syphilis. When it does happen, it can seriously damage organs. Syphilis can also reach the brain, eyes or ears at any stage, which is why the warning signs above matter.
Can I pass syphilis on if my symptoms are mild?
The CDC says you can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Sores in the vagina, anus, mouth or under the foreskin can be hard to see, so a partner may not know they have one. Condoms help by preventing contact with a sore, but sores can occur in areas a condom doesn’t cover, so contact with those can still pass syphilis on.
If you think you may have syphilis, avoid sexual contact until you have a test result.
How do I find out if it is syphilis?
Most of the time, syphilis is found with a blood test, which you can order online. The CDC says only laboratory tests can confirm whether you have syphilis. A clinician may also examine your skin and body for a rash or sores, and may test fluid from a sore.
Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics, though treatment might not undo damage already done. Your sexual partners may need testing and treatment as well. You are not to blame for having an infection, and getting tested is a responsible step.
Get care today if
- You have eye pain or redness, or changes in your vision
- You have hearing loss, ringing or buzzing in your ears, or dizziness or vertigo
- You have a severe headache, confusion, personality changes or muscle weakness
- You are pregnant and have a rash, sores or a positive syphilis result. Contact your prenatal clinician promptly, because treatment protects your baby
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Otherwise, urgent care or your doctor can see you today.
When to test
- As soon as you notice a rash or mouth soresOrder a syphilis blood test online and visit a nearby partner lab. A blood test is how syphilis is usually found. A doctor or clinician can also check your body for a rash or sores.
- If the rash has fadedStill order a test. The CDC says the symptoms of this stage go away whether or not you receive treatment, but the infection moves on to later stages without it.
- If a partner has been diagnosedOrder a test even without symptoms. Syphilis can be present without any visible signs, and partners may be offered treatment based on how recently they were exposed.
Common questions
Does the syphilis rash itch?
Usually not. The CDC and the NHS both say the secondary rash is not usually itchy. It can also be so faint that you don't notice it, so a missing itch or a faint rash doesn't rule syphilis out.
Can syphilis show up on the lip or in the mouth?
Yes. Sores can appear on the lips or in the mouth at the first stage, and mouth sores can appear again in the secondary stage. The NHS also lists white patches in the mouth. Mouth sores have many causes, so a test is the only way to be sure.
Will the rash go away without treatment?
Yes, the symptoms of this stage go away with or without treatment. But the CDC warns that without the right treatment the infection moves to the latent stage, and possibly the tertiary stage.
What other symptoms can come with a syphilis rash?
The CDC lists fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches and fatigue. The NHS adds that symptoms can come and go.
Sources
This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.