Chancroid is characterized by which clinical feature?

• A. Painless genital ulcers without lymphadenopathy
• B. Painful necrotizing genital ulcers with inguinal lymphadenopathy
• C. Genital warts
• D. Vesicular lesions with fever

Answer: (B)

Chancroid presents with a combination of painful genital ulcers and tender inguinal lymphadenopathy. The ulcers tend to be deep with ragged edges and a necrotic or purulent base, and the nearby inguinal nodes become swollen and often suppurate (buboes). This specific mix of pain, ulcer characteristics, and swollen lymph nodes helps distinguish chancroid from other infections: syphilis usually has a painless, clean-based ulcer with non-tender lymphadenopathy; genital warts are non-ulcerative HPV lesions; herpes typically shows painful vesiculopustular lesions and may include systemic symptoms. So the description of painful necrotizing genital ulcers with inguinal lymphadenopathy best captures chancroid.