the primary lesion (similar to fever blister) of syphilis is called the chancre; common first symptom of lyme disease is the target-like skin lesion. they are all transmitted by direct contact. they also cause lyme disease, infectious jaundice, and relapsing fever. secondary syphilis is characterized by a maculopapular rash. tertiary syphilis includes dementia, aortic aneurisms, and gummas.