Could it be syphilis

You may recall earlier posts where I was having symptoms from receiving oral.  I have confirmed generalized swollen nodes throughout the body and I have a Dr. appt Thursday.  About 3 weeks after the episode I had a small scab on my forehead that lasted about 3 weeks.  During the same time I got strep along with my wife.  My wife then developed a small scab on her back near her shoulder.  She has had a persistant sore throat on and off since.  My only symptoms are the nodes a that scab.  Questions:

1.  If it is syphilis, does the chancre occur around the genitals?
2.  Would it also present with a rash on soles and palms?
3.  If my wife and i were both infected wouldnt one of us had it on their genitals?
4.  If the chancre presents at the point of contact with the skin, how would i get it on my forehead from an oral episode?
5.  My HIV test came back negative at 16 weeks from Home Access, is that conclusive?
6.  Would syphilis lymph issues come on gradually or all at once?
7.  How long does syphilis lymph swelling typically last?
8.  How likely is oral transmission of syphilis?

Thanks for your help Dr. H.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The chance of syphilis is close to zero from your description of both symptoms and your exposure as described here and in your other thread less than 2 weeks ago.  If you are worried about syphilis, see an STD knowledgeable health care provider for direct evaluation and a blood test.  If negative, you don't have it.

Succinct replues:  1) Usully, but not always.  2) Sometimes but rash often is absent. 3) Not necessarily. 4) I doubt a forehead lesion is a chancre; probably never happens.  5) You know the answer. 6) Variable. 7) Variable, depends on treatment. 7) It happens.

I'm not going to respond to follow-up questions. Just get tested.

HHH, MD