Does third-stage syphilis rash itch?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on February 04, 2025
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People with tertiary syphilis generally do not experience itching. Tertiary syphilis represents the later stages of the disease manifestation. Typically, the symptoms on the skin are neither painful nor itchy, which is the case for most individuals. However, some patients may feel differently from the majority, experiencing anomalies, or they might develop secondary conditions such as eczema or allergies, among others, possibly leading to mild itching and so on.

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Early symptoms of syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic, systemic sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. It is highly contagious and very harmful. The early symptoms of syphilis usually include the appearance of a chancre. Typically, about three weeks after infection, a hard, painless, round nodule appears at the site of infection. It starts as a reddish, moist spot, then gradually becomes ulcerated and eroded, forming an ulcer. This is an early manifestation of syphilis, known as a chancre. The harm caused by syphilis is very significant. Once syphilis is diagnosed, it is crucial to start treatment early. Early prevention of syphilis is essential, and any early symptoms should be taken very seriously. Treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance, usually involving the muscle injection of long-acting penicillin. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is tertiary syphilis highly contagious?

The infectivity of tertiary syphilis is not very high, although it still possesses relatively weak contagiousness. Syphilis in its primary and secondary stages often shows high titers in tests and has stronger infectivity, while tertiary syphilis has reduced infectivity. However, tertiary syphilis can easily lead to various complications, including damage to tissues and organs, making it more harmful than the primary and secondary stages. Therefore, it is crucial to treat tertiary syphilis promptly.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can tertiary syphilis be contagious?

Third-stage syphilis is contagious. Clinically progressing to third-stage syphilis indicates a more serious condition, and indeed, third-stage syphilis is considered late-stage. Although it is less contagious compared to first and second-stage syphilis because the titer decreases as it progresses to this stage, it remains infectious. This means it is still possible to transmit to others. Therefore, patients with third-stage syphilis should receive timely treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How long does tertiary syphilis appear?

Tertiary syphilis often appears two to three years after contracting syphilis. Syphilis is staged based on the time of onset, and is typically divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. Tertiary syphilis is the latest and most severe stage among these, often affecting the heart, nervous system, skin, and other areas. Due to the risk of severe complications, early and timely treatment is recommended to prevent the occurrence of tertiary syphilis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How long is the latency period for tertiary syphilis?

The latency period of tertiary syphilis is not clearly defined, but it is certain that once tertiary syphilis appears, the duration of illness in patients generally exceeds two to three years, meaning the latency period is at least two to three years long. Of course, some patients may reach five to ten years. This depends on each individual's resistance as well as the virulence and amount of the virus. Additionally, if one contracts tertiary syphilis, it is crucial to seek timely and proper treatment, as it may be life-threatening.