Chancre
Type: Symptom
Definition
A painless, ulcerated skin lesion that appears at the initial site of bacterial entry.
Clinical Details
The spirochetes multiply aggressively at the exact location of inoculation, triggering localized tissue necrosis and a firm, raised border. Because the bacterial toxins locally destroy pain fibers, this classic primary ulcer goes largely unnoticed by the patient. It typically heals spontaneously within weeks, belying the systemic spread of the pathogen.