Secondary stage. Secondary syphilis is characterized by a rash that appears from 2 to 8 weeks after the chancre develops and sometimes before it heals. Other symptoms may also occur, which means that the infection has spread throughout the body. A person is highly contagious during the secondary stage.A rash often develops over the body and commonly includes the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. 1  The rash usually consists of a reddish brown, small, solid, flat or raised skin sore or sores that are less than 2 cm (0.8 in.) across. person is highly contagious during the secondary stage. A rash often develops over the body and commonly includes the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. 1  The rash usually consists of a reddish brown, small, solid, flat or raised skin sore or sores that are less than 2 cm (0.8 in.) across.