Syphilis Stages: Gumma, Chancre, and Tertiary Explained - NBDHE Dental Hygiene Boards

Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that can progress through four different stages if left untreated ⤵️ 1️⃣ Primary - An ulcer (“chancre”) appears several weeks after exposure and progresses to a painless, draining lesion. The sore will typically resolve without treatment, but the client remains infectious! ⚠️ 2️⃣ Secondary - The client develops systemic, flu-like symptoms 🤒 such as a sore throat, malaise, headache, fever, and muscle aches. An important symptom to kn