Secondary Syphilis Twenty five percent of untreated patients progress to secondary syphilis 2-6 months after exposure. Secondary syphilis lasts for 4-6 weeks. Bilateral, symmetrical, macular, papular, or papulosquamous skin lesions become widespread. The lesions are non-pruritic and frequently involve the palms, soles, and face, in addition to the trunk and extremities. Condyloma lata consists of rash and moist lesions.
Secondary syphilis is highly infectious.
Mucous membranes are often involved, appearing as white patches in the mouth, nose, vagina, and rectum. Generalized nontender lymphadenopathy and patchy alopecia sometimes occur. A small percentage of patients have iritis, hepatitis, meningitis, fever, and headache. Retesting of a diluted blood sample may be positive. No culture test is available.