In adults, however, females are slightly more susceptible probably because they are the primary interactants with children, either as caregiver or during breast-feeding. Unlike venereal syphilis, endemic syphilis rarely involves the nervous and cardiovascular system. The clinical manifestation of neurosyphilis is minor and not significant. Congenital syphilis is rarely encountered because the disease can be treated during pregnancy. Incubation period is 10-90 days.
Skin lesions resemble the chancres of venereal syphilis.
Small eroded or ulcerated papule is usually asymptomatic. Not uncommon to see lesion on nipple of a mother with a suckling infected child. Primary lesions heal in 1-6 weeks and often go undiagnosed. This stage usually consists of macerated, eroded patches on the lips, tongue, and tonsils. Hypertrophic condyloma lata can appear in the anogenital area.