Granuloma inguinale is a
sexually transmitted disease, caused by bacterial
organisms. It occurs in tropical climes, but is very rare in the
UK and the
US. Most cases in these countries are associated with travel to places where it is more common.
To begin with, painless lumps appear on the surface of the penis or labia. The lumps grow, redden and ulcerate, but are often still painless. These may eventually heal without treatment, but scarring is likely to be extensive.
A test for the causative organism in a biopsy will confirm the case of granuloma inguinale. The disease is easily cured with antibiotics, typically tetracycline, or gentamicin.