If the infection has not been treated, the secondary stage of syphilis will usually occur from 3 to 6 weeks after the appearance of chancres. The symptoms often include:

A flu-like illness, a feeling of tiredness and loss of appetite, accompanied by swollen glands (this can last for weeks or months).
A non-itchy rash covering the whole body or appearing in patches.
Flat, warty-looking growths on the vulva in women and around the anus in both sexes.
White patches on the tongue or roof of the mouth.
Patchy hair loss.

During this stage syphilis is very infectious and may be sexually transmitted to a partner. These symptoms will usually clear up within a few weeks, but may re-occur for years. Treatment at any time during the first two stages of syphilis will cure the infection.