Curable STDs - Infections

Syphilis or Lues III

The stages of untreated syphilis

This chart summarizes the development of untreated syphilis: 1. Primary stage: There is usually only one sore or ulcer at the point of infection. 2. Secondary stage: A skin rash, a loss of hair, and flu-like symptoms usually appear. 3. Latent phase: It can last from one to 30 years; there are no outward symptoms. 4. Late stage: Syphilis may manifest very serious damage to the heart, the brain, and other internal organs. This may even lead to death. However, more than half of the infected never enter this stage of syphilis.