Chancre

Similarities with chancroid

• Both originate as pustules at the site of inoculation, and progress to ulcerated lesions
• Both lesions are typically 1–2 cm in diameter
• Both lesions are caused by sexually transmissible organisms
• Both lesions typically appear on the genitals of infected individuals

  Differences from chancroid

• Chancre is a lesion typical of infection with the bacterium that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum
• Chancroid is a lesion typical of infection with the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi
• Chancres are typically painless, whereas chancroid are typically painful
• Chancres are typically single, whereas chancroid are typically multiple
• Chancres cause regional bilateral lymph node enlargement, whereas chancroid cause regional unilateral lymph node enlargement
• Chancres typically exude serum, whereas chancroid typically have a grey or yellow purulent exudate
• Chancres have a hard base with sloping edges, whereas chancroid have a soft base with undermined edges
• Chancres heal spontaneously within three to six weeks, even in the absence of treatment
• Chancres can occur in the pharynx as well as on the genitals. Not to be confused with condylomata lata, which is seen in secondary syphilis

  Etymology