Cutaneous anthrax presents with which characteristic lesion?

Cutaneous anthrax presents with which characteristic lesion?

• A. Vesicular lesion
• B. Black eschar
• C. Ulcer with pus
• D. Pustule

Answer: (B)

In cutaneous anthrax, the defining feature is a painless, necrotic skin lesion that ends as a dry, black eschar. The lesion often starts as a small papule, progresses to a vesicle, then becomes an ulcer with a characteristic black center. The surrounding area may be swollen, but the center remains a non-pus-containing, dark crust—the eschar. This black eschar is the hallmark distinguishing cutaneous anthrax from other skin lesions that might be vesicular, pustular, or pus-filled.

In cutaneous anthrax, the defining feature is a painless, necrotic skin lesion that ends as a dry, black eschar. The lesion often starts as a small papule, progresses to a vesicle, then becomes an ulcer with a characteristic black center. The surrounding area may be swollen, but the center remains a non-pus-containing, dark crust—the eschar. This black eschar is the hallmark distinguishing cutaneous anthrax from other skin lesions that might be vesicular, pustular, or pus-filled.