occurs 10-100 days after infection. is characterized by the appearance of one or more chancres (a red, bloodless, painless ulcer less than 1 cm in diameter). These appear on the genitalia (and can be inside the vagina in women and can go unnoticed). A chancre may appear elsewhere on the body; if so, it can become inflamed and/or produce pus. A chancre lasts 3-6 weeks and heals without treament, leaving a small scar. causes swollen lymph nodes near the site of a chancre. is contagious.