AEMCA Practice Exam

Which symptoms are associated with the second stage of syphilis?

1. Painful sores and fever

2. Non-itchy rash and hair loss

3. Painless sores and back pain

4. Vaginal discharge and weight gain

The correct answer is: Non-itchy rash and hair loss

The symptoms associated with the second stage of syphilis, known as secondary syphilis, include a variety of manifestations, one of which is a non-itchy rash. This rash can appear on various parts of the body, including the trunk and extremities, and typically does not cause discomfort, distinguishing it from itchy rashes seen in other conditions. Additionally, individuals may experience hair loss in patchy areas, often referred to as "moth-eaten" alopecia, which can accompany the rash during this stage. The presence of these symptoms indicates that the infection is disseminating throughout the body. During secondary syphilis, systemic manifestations occur as the Treponema pallidum bacteria spread through the bloodstream. The other choices reflect symptoms that do not align with this stage of the disease. Painful sores are more characteristic of the primary stage, while vaginal discharge and weight gain are not recognized symptoms of syphilis at any stage. Painless sores and back pain might suggest tertiary syphilis or other unrelated conditions. Thus, non-itchy rash and hair loss are definitive signs that help in identifying secondary syphilis.