As the lesion may be painless and occur in the rectum, it can go unnoticed, and be easily spread. Infection is detected by blood test, examining fluid produced by the lesions, and spinal fluid testing.
Antibiotics are successful in treating syphilis.
Damage caused by untreated syphilis, however, cannot be undone. Even without treatment, the lesion will heal in about three weeks. The patient will then develop secondary syphilis, often characterized by a body rash. Without treatment, the rash will remain for about four weeks and will also eventually disappear. Because of a relatively long incubation period, the spread of syphilis can be stopped by testing individuals who suspect they may be infected, and then treating them before the infection can be spread to others.