Which description matches the genital ulcers seen in herpes simplex infection?

Which description matches the genital ulcers seen in herpes simplex infection?

• A. It presents as a small group of painful vesicles on an erythematous base
• B. It is a single painless ulcer
• C. It is a hard chancre
• D. It is a cauliflower-like plaque

Answer: (A)

Genital herpes presents with grouped, painful vesicles on an erythematous base. These vesicles sit together, are tender, and as they rupture they form shallow, painful ulcers with surrounding redness. This cluster of painful vesicles that evolve into ulcers is characteristic of herpes. In contrast, a single painless ulcer points to a syphilitic chancre, a hard chancre refers to the same infection, and a cauliflower-like plaque suggests HPV warts, not herpes.

Genital herpes presents with grouped, painful vesicles on an erythematous base. These vesicles sit together, are tender, and as they rupture they form shallow, painful ulcers with surrounding redness. This cluster of painful vesicles that evolve into ulcers is characteristic of herpes. In contrast, a single painless ulcer points to a syphilitic chancre, a hard chancre refers to the same infection, and a cauliflower-like plaque suggests HPV warts, not herpes.