Serologic tests for syphilis should be done on high risk, pregnant women. Contact and treatment of all sexual partners is essential. The infection must be reported to public health authorities for assistance in identifying and treating contacts. There must be abstinence from sexual conduct until 2 follow-up tests have indicated that the infection has been cured. The disease is extremely contagious in the primary and secondary stages.
Lesions associated with syphilis are self-limiting and disappear with little residual damage.
Late syphilis may be permanently disabling and lead to death. In untreated persons, about one-third will develop serious late lesions. This is a common appearance of the rash of secondary syphilis. This is the initial lesion seen with syphilis. There may be single or multiple ulcers.