Chancroid or chancroidal ulcers

1532 cases with genital ulcers were investigated, of whom 610 presented with features suggestive of chancroid; classic, multiple lesions of chancroid were observed in 312, while its other variants, i.e. dwarf, giant and phagedaenic chancroid were also seen. In addition, 162 cases had a conspicuous morphology characterised by a single ulcer which was well-defined, soft, tender, non-indurated and had weakening edges. These were termed chancroidal ulcers. The latter had a longer incubation period of 8-11 days. Absence of lymphadenopathy was prominent in these cases. The male/female ratio was 27/1. Persons of low socio-economic status in the sexually vulnerable age-group were predominantly affected. The prepuce, coronal sulcus and glans penis were the common sites of affliction in males, while the labia minora was frequently involved in females. Due to the limited value of gram-stained smears for the detection of H. ducreyi and lack of good culture media, chancroid and chancroidal ulcers should be differentiated clinically.