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Chancroid
Bacterial Disease
(curable with medication)
A treatable
bacterial infection that causes painful sores
What is
chancroid?
Chancroid is a sexually
transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium. It is common
in tropical countries but rare in other parts of the world.
Who gets
chancroid?
Any sexually active person can
be infected with chancroid. It is more commonly seen in men
than in women, particularly uncircumcised males.
How is
chancroid spread?
Chancroid is spread by sexual
contact with an infected individual. The bacteria are more
likely to invade the sexual organs at the point of a
pre-existing injury, such as a small cut or scratch. The
likelihood of transmission is greater if a person is very
active sexually and does not practice personal hygiene.
What are the
symptoms of chancroid?
The first sign of infection is
usually the appearance of one or more sores or raised bumps on
the genital organs. Sores are surrounded by a narrow red
border which soon becomes filled with pus and eventually
ruptures, leaving a painful open sore. In 50 percent of
untreated cases, the chancroid bacteria infect the lymph
glands in the groin. Within five to 10 days of the appearance
of primary sores, the glands on one side (sometimes both
sides) of the groin become enlarged, hard and painful. A
rounded painful swelling results which may eventually rupture.
How soon do
symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear four to
seven days after exposure.
When and for
how long is a person able to spread chancroid?
Chancroid is contagious as long
as the infected person has any open sores. The open sores
contain bacteria and any contact with these sores can result
in infection.
What
complications can result from chancroid?
Untreated chancroid often
results in ulcers occurring on the genitals. Sometimes the
ulcers persist for weeks or months.
Does a
previous infection of chancroid make a person immune?
No. Reinfection can readily
occur immediately after cure. There is no evidence of natural
resistance.
What is the
treatment for chancroid?
Chancroid may be successfully
treated with certain antibiotics. Lesions and ulcers can be
expected to heal within two weeks.
How can the
spread of chancroid be prevented?
- Limit the number of your sex
partners.
- Use a condom.
- Carefully wash the genitals
after sexual relations.
- If you think you are
infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit your local STD
clinic, a hospital or your doctor. Notify all sexual
contacts immediately so they can obtain examination and
treatment.
This information was provided
by
The New York State Health Department
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