Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacteria. Anyone having unprotected sex with an infected person can get syphilis. Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with the syphilis sore, lesion, or moist rash. It can be passed through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal and oral sex. Kissing can pass the disease if one of the people has a sore on the lips or in the mouth.
Pregnant woman can pass the disease to their babies before birth.
The first stage of Syphilis is marked by a single sore or chancre. It is firm, round, and painless. The chancre could appear on the penis, mouth, or lips, inside or outside the vagina or anus, or on the hand. The chancre lasts 1-5 weeks and heals on its own. The second stage of Syphilis is marked when one or more rashes appear on the hands and soles of the feet, in the groin area, and all over the body.