Chancroid - Symptom, Picture, Treatment of Chancroid

Chancroid ia a sexually transmitted infection caused by the baterium Haemophilus ducreyi. Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi . It is rare in New Zealand. It is characterised by painful ulcers on the genitals and painful swollen lymph glands.

Chancroid, also called soft chancre, is characterised by the development of painfu lulcers on or near the genitals, and enlarged, tender lymph glands in one or both groins. The infection occurs mainly in tropical countries and is uncommon in Australia, where the majority of patients are travellers returning from the tropics. Chancroid is transmitted through the skin by direct sexual contact with an infected individual through

• anal sex
• oral sex
• vaginal sex

The infection is spread to other parts of the body by:

• minor abrasions
• physical contact
• rubbing
• scratching

If treatment of Chancroid is delayed, the affected glands may break down to form pusfilled abscesses that can discharge onto the skin and spread the nfection, or may heal very slowly, leaving deep scars. Chancroid can also be prevented by abstinence (avoidance of any sexual contact) and by being in a monogamous relationship with a disease-free partner. To prevent the spread of chancroid, it is important that all sexual contacts of the patient are identified and treated. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics is usually an effective cure.

Chancroid is usually diagnosed by:

• Culture or biopsy
• Gram Stain
• Microscopic examination of a smear sample taken from the patient's sores

First signs of infection appear from 3-5 days and up to 2 weeks after contact, and usually a tender, raised bump develops where the bacteria entered the body:

• inside/outside the vagina or rectum
• occasionally on hands, thighs or mouth
• on the penis

Within 1-4 days the bump transforms into one or more shallow sores which break open and deepen, becoming:

• filled with pus
• inflamed
• painful
• ruptured

The next stage may persist for several weeks and may result in:

• a painful open sore
• purulent base of the ulcer 
• several lesions merging to form gigantic ulcers

Bookmark This Page:

Home | Directory | Skin Diseases | Site Map | Cardiovascular Diseases | Hematological Diseases | Contact Us | Submit Site
Copyright © 2006 Medical-Diseases.info All Rights Reserved