Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 2/3/2009

Question
hey again thanks for the help. syphillis. primary stage. Can it  appear 3 to 4 days after infection, or always 2 weeks after infection???.  Also could it appear 2cm above the penis in the pubic area or is it always on the penis.?? And is it always just one/solatiry chancre,and is it pussfilled??? how long before the second stage would begin....????and wat is the likelyhood of infection through oral sex . thank you .

Answer
Hi Charlie,

The usual time is 10 days to 3 months from the date of exposure. 3 days is unheard of; but that does not mean that it does not happen. It's just not yet been evidenced and published scientifically. Syphilitic lesions can occur around the penis area - such as the pubic region and anus. It is solitary and commonly occurs as multiple lesions. A single is possible at very early stages. Secondary syphilis can be pustular and the manifestation varies amongst each individual. The risk is very high should you engage in oral sex with an individual who has syphilitic lesions. The pustular wet lesions are the most contagious.