See also Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women . The signs and symptoms of congenital syphilis are arbitrarily divided into early manifestations , which appear in the first 2 years of life, and late manifestations , which appear thereafter. Early congenital syphilis usually starts in between birth and about 3 months of life, with most cases occurring within the first five weeks of life. Because of their frequency and early appearance the changes in the bones, especially the femur and humerus, are of diagnostic value. Other symptoms include rhinitis , coryza , or snuffles.
Snuffles usually occur in the first week of life, are very persistent and often bloody.
A syphilitic rash, typically consisting of small spots that are dark red to copper, usually appears after 1- 2 weeks of rhinitis and is most severe on the hands and feet. As the rash fades, the lesions become coppery or dusky red. Fissures often develop about the lips and anus. They bleed readily and heal with scarring. White mucous patches may be found on any of the mucous membranes.