Does a hard chancre itch?
Recently, I noticed a small, hard red bump near the genital area. It doesn't cause any noticeable sensation unless touched, and occasionally feels slightly painful when rubbed, but there is no itching. Could this be a hard chancre?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, a chancre itself does not cause itching. However, during its development, the surrounding skin may experience a sensation of itchiness.
A chancre mainly presents as a painless ulcer on the external genital area. The ulcer feels firm, similar to cartilage, and is typically neither painful nor tender. Its base is smooth, flat, and reddish in color, sometimes accompanied by a small amount of serous discharge. Although painless and non-itchy, chancres are highly contagious. Therefore, prompt medical attention and appropriate testing and treatment are necessary once a chancre is detected.
Despite the fact that chancres themselves generally do not cause itching, mild itchiness in the surrounding skin may occur during the development or healing phase. This may result from local inflammatory responses or irritation of newly formed tissue during the healing process. Additionally, itching or other discomfort may arise if the chancre area is subjected to friction, improper cleaning, or secondary bacterial infection. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention for thorough examination and diagnosis by a qualified physician, who can then provide appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition.
In daily life, maintaining good personal hygiene, using protective measures such as condoms, and undergoing regular screenings for sexually transmitted diseases are recommended to help prevent chancres.
