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Chancroid

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Chancroid is caused by a bacterial infection known as Haemophilus ducreyi that produces genital ulcers. It can be transmitted through sexual contact (skin on skin with an open ulcer) or through eyes and fingers that come into contact with pus from an ulcer.

Signs & Symptoms: begin 3 -10 days after exposure. It frequently goes unnoticed in women.

Ulcers can:

• Have rugged or eroded edges
• Have pus filled / dirty base
• Be moderate to severely painful
• Be soft to the touch

Symptoms include:

• Pain during urination and defecation
• Rectal bleeding
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Vaginal discharge
• Inguinal tenderness
• Painful lymph glands in groin area, usually on one side

Complications & Consequences:

• Increased risk for HIV Infection.
• Lymph node glands on one side of the body become enlarged, hard, painful, and fuse together to form a bubo. Surgical drainage may be needed to relieve pain.
• Ruptured buboes are susceptible to secondary bacterial infections.
• In uncircumcised males, new scar tissue can result in the foreskin being unable to be retracted over the glands.
• Condoms will not protect other areas, such as the scrotum or anal area.

Prevention:

• Abstinence
• Early treatment of any Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
• Mutual monogamy
• Appropriate use of latex condoms and barriers
• Take all prescribed medications, even after symptoms dissipate