What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Ducrey’s Disease
• Haemophilus Ducreyi causing Ulcer
• Ulcus Molle

What is Chancroid? (Definition/Background Information)

• Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi which causes sores and ulceration on the genitals. It was once common in the western world but is now much rarer. It is particularly more common in certain tropical, underdeveloped areas
• The signs and symptoms of Chancroid include painful ulcers and a red rash on the genitalia that can occur anytime within two weeks of coming into contact with the infectious bacteria
• A definitive diagnosis for Chancroid can be made by a pathologist after visualizing fluid from a sore under the microscope. Complications from Chancroid typically persist until medical treatment is received
• Chancroid can be treated in a timely manner using antibiotics if medical attention is sought. The prognosis is generally good, and individuals recover fully with prompt and adequate treatment

Who gets Chancroid? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Chancroid can affect sexually-active males and females of any age 
• Men are more likely to be affected by Chancroid, especially those who are uncircumcised
• Individuals of any ethnic or geographical background can be affected by Chancroid but is more likely to be seen among people in areas with tropical climate

What are the Risk Factors of Chancroid? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Chancroid may include:

• Sexually-active individuals with multiple partners
• Having unprotected sex (often)
• Traveling to countries with tropical climate may expose one to a higher risk for infection. This infection is commonly seen more in individuals who have traveled to areas such as Africa and Southwest Asia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Chancroid? (Etiology)

• Chancroid is caused by the gram-negative bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi. It is a sexually-transmitted disease.
• It is transmitted by contact with ulcers or bodily fluids of infected individuals, including from:
  • Skin to skin contact with an ulcer
  • Saliva
  • Blood 
  • Needles
  • Mother to fetus

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Chancroid?

The signs and symptoms of Chancroid can vary between men and women but typically become apparent within a day to 2 weeks of infection.

• In men, a red bump on the genitals may be visible that tends to become an open sore or ulcer within 1-2 days. The ulcers can typically appear on multiple places on or around the penis and scrotum
• In women, red bumps on the genitals may be noted that also turn into ulcers within 1-2 days
  • Ulcers in women can appear anywhere on or near the vagina, and on the thighs and skin surrounding the genitals
  • Women are likely to experience a burning sensation and/or pain during urination or bowel movements
• The ulcers observed in both men and women share characteristics as below:
  • They range in size from 3 mm to 5 cm
  • Have a soft gray to grayish-yellow center with sharply-defined boarders
  • May bleed easily if touched
  • Are typically painful
• Men and women may also observe:
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin region
  • Pain during sexual interaction or urination
  • Breaking of skin around the lymph nodes that causes large blisters or areas with pus

How is Chancroid Diagnosed?

Chancroid is typically diagnosed by a healthcare specialist following a physical (visual) examination and a careful evaluation of a patient’s medical history, using the following tests and exams:

• Checking for swollen lymph nodes around the groin region
• Taking samples of fluid from the sores and analyzing them microscopically
• Using fluid samples to rule out other sexually transmitted diseases. Chancroid is easily mistaken for syphilis or herpes
• Blood tests are generally not necessary, unless requested by the healthcare professional

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Chancroid?

If Chancroid is left untreated, symptoms will likely persist until proper treatment is received. The complications noted may include:

• Permanent scarring without proper treatment
• Urethral fistulas (abnormal connections between tissues) could occur as a complication of Chancroid in men
• Individuals with Chancroid may have an increased risk for other sexually-transmitted infections, such as HIV infection, genital herpes, and syphilis
• Chancroid recurrence

How is Chancroid Treated?

• In some cases, Chancroid is known to heal on its own, but this may likely result in permanent scarring or other superimposed infections
• The infection usually responds well to antibiotic therapy
• In cases of large swelling of the lymph nodes, a surgical drainage may be required, either by needle or via local surgery

How can Chancroid be Prevented?

The following methods may help prevent Chancroid: 

• Using condoms during all acts of sexual intercourse
• Limiting the number of sex partners
• Washing the genital areas after sexual intercourse
• Alerting partners and getting tested as soon as possible if one has a sexually transmitted disease
• Community education and increased awareness of sexually-transmitted infections

What is the Prognosis of Chancroid? (Resolutions/Outcomes)

For the majority of individuals, the prognosis for Chancroid is favorable, because it can be treated relatively well, and no lasting side effects are seen.

• Chancroid can clear up on its own, but this may often take a long period; some individuals are known to have months of painful ulcers
• Untreated Chancroid may result in permanent scarring of the region

Additional and Relevant Information for Chancroid:

Chancroid sores may make it easier for a person to be infected with HIV. For this reason, and for the safety of others, it is advised that one abstains from sex, if he/she believes that they may have Chancroid or any other sexually transmitted diseases.