What Does a Syphilis Sore Look Like?
Quick answer
A syphilis sore is usually a single sore that is firm, round and painless, found where the infection entered the body, such as the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips or mouth. Because it often doesn't hurt, it can go unnoticed. It usually heals on its own in 3 to 6 weeks, but the infection stays in the body without treatment. You can't confirm syphilis by looking, so order a blood test online.
Does this sound like your sore?
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The more of these match, the more reason to order a test online. This is not a diagnosis. Sores can look different from this description, and only a laboratory test can confirm syphilis.
A new sore in the genital area or on your mouth is worrying, and syphilis is one of the things people search for. The honest answer is that a syphilis sore can be very easy to miss, and it can look different from person to person. Here is what is known, and what to do next.
What does a syphilis sore look like?
The first stage of syphilis is called primary syphilis. You may notice a single sore, or sometimes several. This sore is called a chancre, and it appears where syphilis entered the body.
The CDC says these sores are usually, but not always, firm, round and painless. Clinical guidelines describe a single painless sore as the classic picture, but note that sores can also be multiple, unusual in appearance, or painful. So a sore that doesn’t match this description can still be syphilis.
Nearby lymph nodes may also swell, according to MedlinePlus.
Why might I not notice a syphilis sore?
Mostly because it doesn’t hurt. A painless sore that is inside the vagina, in the anus or rectum, in the mouth, or under the foreskin can be hard to see, and the NHS notes that you may not notice sores in those places.
The first signs of syphilis are also often mild. The NHS says it can take 3 weeks or more after infection for the first symptoms to appear. So there may be no obvious link in your mind between a sexual encounter and a small sore weeks later.
Where on the body can a syphilis sore appear?
The CDC lists the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, and the lips or inside the mouth. The NHS also mentions the hands. Wherever it appears, it is usually the place that came into contact with a partner’s syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Does a syphilis sore go away on its own?
Yes, and this is the part that catches people out. The sore usually lasts 3 to 6 weeks and heals whether or not you get treatment. But the CDC is clear that even after the sore goes away, you still need treatment, to stop the infection moving on to the secondary stage.
The next stage can bring a skin rash and other symptoms. Our guide to the syphilis rash and early signs covers what to look for.
Can I tell what it is just by looking?
No. Genital and mouth sores have several possible causes, and syphilis sores don’t always follow the typical pattern. Photos online can be misleading, and a lookalike can be a different infection or a skin problem.
The CDC states that only laboratory tests can confirm whether you have syphilis. If a doctor or clinician sees an open sore, they may take a sample of fluid from it as well as a blood sample.
What should I do if I think I have a syphilis sore?
- Order a test soon. Most of the time, syphilis is found with a blood test, which you can order online. Some clinicians diagnose syphilis by testing fluid from a sore.
- Avoid sex until you know. Syphilis spreads by direct contact with a sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
- Tell recent partners if you are diagnosed. They can then be tested and treated too.
- Test for other STIs too. The NHS says you may be tested for other infections at the same time, and you can order a test online that covers more than one infection.
Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics, and treatment is much easier when it starts early. Our pages on syphilis treatment and on false positive syphilis tests cover what comes next.
Why does a syphilis sore matter for HIV?
The CDC and MedlinePlus both note that a sore or break in the skin from an STI such as syphilis can make it easier for HIV to enter the body. That’s one more reason to order a test rather than wait for the sore to heal.
Get care today if
- You have eye pain or redness, or changes in your vision
- You have hearing loss, ringing in your ears, or dizziness or vertigo
- You have a severe headache, new confusion, muscle weakness or trouble with movement
- You are pregnant and think you may have syphilis. Tell your prenatal clinician promptly, because treatment protects your baby
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Otherwise, urgent care or your doctor can see you today.
When to test
- As soon as you notice a soreOrder a syphilis blood test online and visit a nearby partner lab. A doctor or clinician can also check the sore and may take a swab of fluid from it. Treatment works best when it starts early.
- If the sore has already healedStill order a test. A sore that heals does not mean the infection has gone, and a blood test can still find syphilis.
- If you had a possible exposure but have no soreOrder a blood test online, and plan to repeat it, since syphilis can be present without any visible sign and early tests can miss it. See the window periods guide for timing.
Common questions
Can a syphilis sore be painless?
Yes, and it usually is. The CDC describes the sore as usually, but not always, firm, round and painless. That is why many people don't notice it, especially if it is inside the vagina, anus or mouth.
Does a syphilis sore go away on its own?
Yes. It usually lasts 3 to 6 weeks and heals whether or not you are treated. But the infection is still there, and it can move to the next stage if it isn't treated.
Can a syphilis sore appear on the lip or in the mouth?
Yes. The first sore can show up on the lips or inside the mouth, as well as on the penis, vagina, anus or rectum. A mouth sore can have other causes too, so a test is the only way to know.
Can I have syphilis if I never saw a sore?
Yes. A sore can be hidden inside the body, or so painless that it is missed. Syphilis can also have no visible signs at all for a while, so testing is based on exposure, not only on symptoms.
Sources
This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.