What does a Syphilitic sore look like?

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, continue to be a major health risk for any society. As a sexually active person, it is vital to be knowledgeable about different STIs, their symptoms, and modes of prevention.

Syphilis is one such STI. It is a highly infectious disease that spreads through sexual contact, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications.

In this blog post, we will delve into the various aspects of Syphilis with a particular emphasis on Syphilis chancres. A chancre ( SHANG-kər) is a painless genital ulcer usually found at the site of infection by the syphilis bacteria.

It’s always better to know your sexual health status.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is usually transmitted through sexual activity like vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and sharing sex toys. It’s also possible to contract the infection by sharing needles during intravenous drug use or by receiving a blood transfusion that has not been tested properly.  

What are the symptoms of Syphilis?

The symptoms of Syphilis can vary depending on the stage of the disease.

The primary stage usually starts with the appearance of a single, painless sore known as a chancre. After a few weeks, the chancre usually heals on its own. However, this does not mean that Syphilis has been cleared from the body. Instead, the bacteria will continue to spread and continue to cause damage. But if this painless sore occurs somewhere where you can’t see it (anus, throat, etc) you will not know that you have got it, until it moves onto the next stage.

In the secondary stage, the body may develop a rash on the skin that is typically not itchy, and typically covers the whole body. In some people there will be dark marks in the skin on the palms of the hands and feet. You may also experience fever, headaches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

In the tertiary stage, the bacteria may have caused severe damage to the internal organs like the brain, nerves, eyes, blood vessels, liver, and bones, which can lead to health complications or even death.

What does a Syphilitic chancre look like?

If you’re concerned about a Syphilis infection, it is important to know what a Syphilitic chancre looks like. It is one of the few symptoms that distinguishes Syphilis from other infections.

A Syphilitic chancre stands out from other genital sores due to its specific characteristics. It’s usually solitary; so, just one of them. It’s painless with a firm border. The chancre usually appears as a round, flat lesion that does not bleed when touched. It’s often surprisingly deep considering it doesn’t hurt. In a few cases, multiple chancres may develop.

Most primary Syphilis chancres in men occur on the head of the penis or the foreskin. In women, typically on the vulva.

The way primary Syphilis chancres look in the mouth and throat can be very different however, resembling a normal mouth ulcer, being less deep than the chancres we see on external skin.

Similarly, a chancre in the anus or rectum may confuse doctors when they look at it.

In fact, it’s often said that Syphilis almost always produces symptoms that you don’t see in textbooks. If a chancre appears, it will likely do so between 10 to 90 days after the initial infection. It will last around three to six weeks before going away on its own.

Where are the chancres located?

Syphilis chancres can occur in different parts of the body. They tend to appear at the original site of infection, such as the vagina, penis, rectum, anus, or mouth.  

How to prevent catching Syphilis

The most effective way to prevent becoming infected with Syphilis is to practice abstinence.

If this isn’t possible, the next best way is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms during intercourse, limiting your sexual partners, and getting tested regularly. It is equally important to get your partner tested before engaging in sexual activity.

If you’ve had sex with someone who now has developed Syphilis, your doctor may give you some antibiotics to stop you from developing the disease.

Of course, getting regular tests will also help to stop you developing advanced Syphilis.

Final thoughts

Syphilis is a highly infectious STI that can have severely negative impacts on your health. To avoid the worst aspects of the infection, it’s best to know the signs and symptoms so you can get tested and treated as soon as possible.

Better2Know’s STI testing services can help identify any STI that may be in your system. If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to an STI, call the number above to speak to one of our Sexual Health Advisors. They will be able to help you find a test and clinic that’s right for you.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 02/10/2025.

---