Chancroid
What is Chancroid?
Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection. A characteristic feature of chancroid is the presence of an ulcer present on your genitals.
How can I know I have Chancroid?
- Chancroid results in painful ulcers associated with "regional lymphadenopathy" which implies that the region surrounding the ulcer may become enlarged as a result of the infection.
- The ulcer appears approximately after 4-10 days after having sex with an infected individual.
- At first, the infected area will look similar to a pimple. The pimple eventually breaks down to form a painful ulcer which is irregular in shape. Multiple ulcers often develop.
- Other symptoms which are related to chancroid include pain on urination, vaginal discharge, rectal bleeding, pain when experiencing bowel movements and pain when having sex.
- Chancroid is commonest in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean islands.
What tests can be performed to confirm that I have Chancroid?
If you have a painful ulcer on your gential area which is tender and discharges fluid - this supports the diagnosis of chancroid. However, there are numerous diseases which may appear similar to chancroid such as Genital Herpes and Syphilis.
Your doctor will be able to diagnose chancroid by examining the gential area. A diagnosis may be confirmed after sampling the fluid which drains from the sore.
Are there any risk factors for Chancroid?
- If you are sexually active.
- If you travel to a foreign country where chancroid is more common.
- Having unprotected sex.
- Having multiple partners.
What are the Symptoms of Chancroid?
Persons with male anatomical and physiological characteristics
A person may notice a small red bump on their genitalia and that may become an open sore within a day. The ulcer may be present on any part of the genitalia including on the penis and scrotum. These ulcers are usually very painful.
Persons with female anatomical and physiological characteristics
A person may develop four or more red bumps on the female genital area including on the labia (the fold of skin surrounding the vagina), between the labia and the anus or on the thighs.
How can Chancroid be cured?
- Chancroid is treated with antibiotics.
- It is important to inform your doctor if you may be pregnant or breastfeeding and suffer from chancroid. This is because you might need to be given antibiotics which are safe during pregnancy instead of the usual antibiotics.
Management of Sexual Partners
Sexual partners of patients who suffer from chancroid should also be examined and treated if they have been in contact with the patient 10 days before the patient's symptoms started.
What are the complications of Chancroid?
- Connections may be formed between the womb and other structures. This is called a "fistula".
- Scarring of the genital area.
Further information and help
Reference List:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513331/