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The primary characteristic of stage 1 syphilis, known as primary syphilis, is the appearance of a painless sore on the body, typically referred to as a chancre. This sore usually develops at the site where the bacteria (Treponema pallidum) entered the body, such as the genitals, anus, or mouth. The chancre is a reliable indicator of primary syphilis and usually heals on its own within a few weeks, but this does not mean the infection has resolved; it progresses to the next stages if left untreated.

Other symptoms such as a rash, fever, fatigue, or pus from the genitals might be present in different stages of syphilis or in other conditions but are not characteristic of stage 1 syphilis. The chancre is distinctive and is crucial for diagnosis in the early stage of the disease. Understanding the characteristics of primary syphilis is vital for prompt detection and treatment, which can prevent further complications associated with later stages of the disease.