Chancroid
(soft chancre)
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. They 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 past infection with 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?
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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