Other names: ulcus durum, painless chancre

Chancre or ulcus durum is a typical symptom of primary syphilis (syphilis). Syphilis is a venereal disease transmitted by sexual contact, it operates bacterium Treponema pallidum. Although the disease is better known for historical context, certainly can not be considered extinct.

The ulcer appears in that area of the body that was transmitted disease, most often on the genitals,around the rectum, mouth, tongue or areola about three weeks after intercourse. At first it looks like a red freckle quickly protrudes above the surrounding skin and the characteristic becomesstiff consistency and appearance of the “flesh” or matte Blank on the surface and prokrváceným edge that surrounds the ulcer sharply compared to the surrounding tissue. Size is variable, about 1-2 cm ulcer in contact with adjacent healthy skin (eg. Penis – thigh) may also create “contralateral” ulcer. And ulcer do not hurt for about 8 weeks without permanent marks heal itself.

Untreated syphilis also (about 4 weeks after the discovery of the ulcer) reflected unilateral enlargement and hardening of lymph nodes belonging authority where the ulcer developed; and the nodal involvement is painless. The last stage is the formation of decay patches on the skin and mucous membranes, called. Gummi.

In suspected syphilis it is necessary to quickly go to a general practitioner or directly to professional dermatovenerology clinic and renounce any sexual contact. It must be borne in mind that the untreated disease invariably leads to death.