by Chloe Jones

Created on: May 04, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi. It is a genital ulcer disease, characterized by one or more painful ulcers on the genitalia.

The incidence of chancroid is still rare in western industrialized nations, though it does seem to be increasing. It is much more common in developing countries, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It is most commonly found among prostitutes and those who utilize their services.

Men are more likely to become infected with chancroid than women. Uncircumcised men are at much higher risk of contracting the disease than circumcised men. The disease is more common among heterosexual men, especially those who frequent prostitutes or have many sexual partners.

Symptoms will usually present within a week of exposure to chancroid. Men will often have just one very painful ulcer on the penis, though ulcers could also appear on the scrotum. Women are often asymptomatic. Though they may have three or four ulcers, these ulcers are often not painful and may be located on the cervix, rectum or other hard to see areas. Women are more likely to have harder to diagnose symptoms, such as vaginal discharge and pain during urination or intercourse.

Chancroid is often initially mistaken for other genital ulcer diseases, such as syphilis or genital herpes. The difference is that the ulcer that results from a chancroid infection is a "soft chancre" as opposed to the "hard chancre" of syphilis. A doctor should still test for these other diseases to rule them out.

Though chancroid is highly contagious, it is curable. Because it is bacterial, instead of viral like incurable sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or genital herpes, chancroid can be cured with antibiotics. Lesions will usually heal within a few weeks after antibiotics are administered.

It is important that someone with chancroid be treated quickly to prevent further complications and spread of the disease. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph node glands in the genital area, causing them to swell. These swollen glands fuse together to form a bubo. Surgery may be needed to drain a bubo. Untreated buboes can rupture, leading to secondary infection and scarring. A person with an active lesion has an increased risk of contracting deadly HIV. Untreated lesions on the penis can also lead to scarring that can result in sexual dysfunction.

The only sure way to prevent infection is sexual abstinence. Condoms used properly can also prevent the spread of chancroid. It is safer to practice monogamous sex with one disease-free partner. Good hygiene practices, including washing the genitalia after sexual relations, can also help prevent infection.

Chancroid, while treatable, is painful and can lead to the spread of other incurable sexually transmitted diseases. It is important that all sexually active people take precautions to prevent the spread of this disease.

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