Ace the SANE Exam 2025 – Empower Your Nursing Future Today!

Primary syphilis is characterized by the presence of an ulcer or chancre at the site of infection. This chancre typically appears about three weeks after exposure to the syphilis bacterium, Treponema pallidum. The chancre is usually painless, firm, and may vary in size, developing at the site where the bacteria entered the body, commonly on the genital area, but can also occur in other locations.

Recognizing this hallmark symptom is essential for accurate diagnosis, as primary syphilis may not present with additional systemic symptoms at this early stage. The chancre will heal spontaneously within a few weeks, but without treatment, the infection will progress to the secondary stage, accompanied by more systemic symptoms.

Understanding the specific characteristics of primary syphilis helps healthcare providers identify and manage the infection appropriately, preventing progression and complications associated with untreated syphilis.