Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Chancroid typically presents with painful, non-indurated genital ulcers that may have ragged, undermined borders and a purulent base. Tender inguinal lymph-node swelling can occur. Because syphilis, herpes simplex, lymphogranuloma venereum, and granuloma inguinale may have overlapping presentations, laboratory confirmation is valuable where available; diagnosis may use nucleic acid amplification testing or specialized culture. The lesson also considers treatment choices, reassessment when ulcers persist, and care for buboes. Prevention and public-health measures include counseling about sexual activity during recovery, partner management, and testing for other infections. Chancroid’s clinical findings should therefore be considered alongside testing and the patient’s broader sexual-health needs.