Syphilis is an uncommon disease in New Zealand but one that can be very serious if left untreated. The bacteria enter the body through tiny breaks in the skin or through the linings of the body cavities i.e. vagina, anus, mouth. Syphilis is almost always acquired by sexual contact. This disease is detected by a blood test.

First Stage
The first sign of syphilis is an ulcer (chancre). The ulcer is not painful or itchy. It appears at the place where the germ enters the body, usually on the sex organs but sometimes elsewhere.
The ulcer will probably disappear of its own accord within a few weeks but the infection is still active in the body.
This early stage is very infectious. Any genital ulcer must be examined by a doctor even if it starts to heal by itself and/or is small and painless.

Second Stage
A rash will appear about six weeks after infection. It may appear on the body, face, arms and often the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. The rash lasts about 4 to 6 weeks during which time the person is very infectious.

Late Stage
After the symptoms of the second stage disappear, there are usually no signs of the disease for at least five years and in many people there will be no harmful effects or further signs of the disease at all.
In some people the syphilis germs will eventually cause damage to internal organs which may include the heart, brain and the nerves in the spinal cord.