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Chancroid
Soft chancre; Ulcus molle; Sexually transmitted disease – chancroid; STD - chancroid; Sexually transmitted infection – chancroid; STI - chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact.
Causes
Chancroid is caused by a bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi .
The infection is found in many parts of the world, such as Africa and southwest Asia. Very few people are diagnosed in the United States each year with this infection. Most people in the United States who are diagnosed with chancroid have traveled outside the country to areas where the infection is more common.
Symptoms
Within 1 day to 2 weeks after becoming infected, a person will get a small bump on the genitals. The bump becomes an ulcer within a day after it first appears. The ulcer:
Ulcer
Erosion is a breakdown of the outer layers of the skin, usually because of a: CutScrapeInflammation
- Ranges in size from 1/8 inch to 2 inches (3 millimeters to 5 centimeters) in diameter
- Is painful
- Is soft
- Has sharply defined borders
- Has a base that is covered with a gray or yellowish-gray material
- Has a base that bleeds easily if it is banged or scraped
About half of infected men have only a single ulcer. Women often have 4 or more ulcers. The ulcers appear in specific locations.
Common locations in men are:
- Foreskin
- Groove behind the head of the penis
- Shaft of the penis
- Head of the penis
- Opening of the penis
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Scrotum
Scrotum
The scrotum is a part of a male's body that is located behind the penis. The scrotum is the sac (pouch) that contains the testes, epididymis, and th...
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In women, the most common location for ulcers is the outer lips of the vagina (labia majora). "Kissing ulcers" may develop. Kissing ulcers are those that occur on opposite surfaces of the labia.
Other areas, such as the inner vagina lips (labia minora), the area between the genitals and the anus (perineal area), and the inner thighs may also be involved. The most common symptoms in women are pain with urination and intercourse.
The ulcer may look like the sore of primary syphilis (chancre).
Primary syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is most often spread through sexual contact.
About half of the people who are infected with a chancroid develop enlarged lymph nodes in the groin.
In half of people who have swelling of the groin lymph nodes, the nodes break through the skin and cause draining abscesses . The swollen lymph nodes and abscesses are also called buboes.
Abscesses
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.
Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...
Exams and Tests
The health care provider diagnoses chancroid by looking at the ulcer(s), checking for swollen lymph nodes and testing (ruling out) for other sexually-transmitted diseases. There is no blood test for chancroid.
Treatment
The infection is treated with antibiotics including ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. Large lymph node swellings need to be drained, either with a needle or local surgery.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Chancroid can get better on its own. Some people have months of painful ulcers and draining. Antibiotic treatment often clears up the lesions quickly with very little scarring.
Possible Complications
Complications include urethral fistulas and scars on the foreskin of the penis in uncircumcised males. People with chancroid should also be checked for other sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis , HIV , and genital herpes .
Fistulas
A fistula is an abnormal connection between 2 body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of...
Penis
The penis is the male organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. The penis is located above the scrotum. It is made of spongy tissue and bloo...
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is most often spread through sexual contact.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune ...
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. This article focuses on HSV type 2 infection.
In people with HIV, chancroid may take much longer to heal.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your provider if:
- You have symptoms of chancroid
- You have had sexual contact with a person who you know has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- You have engaged in high-risk sexual practices
Prevention
Chancroid is spread by sexual contact with an infected person. Avoiding all forms of sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease.
However, safer sex behaviors may reduce your risk. The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.
References
Mookerjee AL, Newell GC. Chancroid. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 40.
Murphy TF. Haemophilus species including H. influenzae and H. ducreyi (chancroid). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Mandell GL, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 227.
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Male and female reproductive systems - illustration
The male and female reproductive systems, viewed from a mid-sagittal section.
Male and female reproductive systems
illustration
Review Date: 9/10/2015
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
