Which of the following describes genital ulcers caused by herpes simplex virus in males?

• A. A single painless ulcer with clean base
• B. A small group of painful vesicles on erythematous base
• C. Vesicular rash on the thighs
• D. A hard chancre

Answer: (B)

Genital herpes lesions are classically described as a small group of painful vesicles on an erythematous base that may rupture and form shallow ulcers. These vesicles often appear in crops and are painful, sometimes with burning or dysuria, especially during a primary infection. This pattern helps distinguish herpes from other genital ulcers: a single painless ulcer with a clean base suggests syphilis (chancre), a hard chancre is a firm, painless lesion also seen in syphilis, and a vesicular rash on the thighs is not the typical genital herpes presentation. So the description of a small group of painful vesicles on an erythematous base best describes genital herpes in males.