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What are the typical features of a syphilis chancre?
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syphilis
Scanning electron micrograph of Treponema pallidum, the spirochete bacterium that is the causative agent of syphilis.
A syphilis chancre is the hallmark lesion of the primary stage of syphilis, typically appearing at the site of inoculationāmost commonly the genitals, though it can occur on the lips, tongue, or anorectal region.12
Key features of a syphilitic chancre include:
- Appearance: It usually begins as a single, small, red papule that gradually erodes into a shallow, clean ulcer with a smooth, raised border.12
- Sensation: Unlike the "soft chancre" associated with chancroid, a syphilitic lesion is characteristically painless.134
- Timing: The lesion typically develops two to four weeks after initial infection.14
- Associated Symptoms: It is often accompanied by painless swelling of the regional lymph nodes.1
- Progression: The chancre generally heals spontaneously within 10 to 40 days without leaving a scar, even without treatment. However, the underlying infection persists and will progress to the secondary stage unless treated with penicillin.124
The fluid from the base of the ulcer contains the spirochete Treponema pallidum, and its presence is diagnostic for the disease.12