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Chancroid: a sexually transmitted infection|know the symptoms

 Overview:

What is Chancroid? 

Chancroid is a Sexually Transmitted Disease caused by the bacteria, Hemophilus Ducreyi. It is characterized by the development of chancre lesions (infectious sores) on the genitals of males or females. It is highly contagious condition and can spread rapidly from one person to other via the sexual route, contact or touching the secretions.

It is more common in developing countries and in places where the personal hygiene is compensated. The occurrences add to the risk of its spread and further infections in the body. If not diagnosed early or left untreated, there is an increased risk of its spread making too many people vulnerable with the infection.

The bacteria causes tiny bumps on the genital area which then break open into sores. The sores may be filled with pus and blood and when they start draining the infection may spread rapidly through sexual contact. The swelling of the lymph nodes can be seen in patients infected with Chancroid.

Chancroid infection affects all the gender. The mode of transmission is mostly sexual contacts, oral, anal or vaginal routes. It is one of the most infectious form of sexually transmitted disease.

What are the Causes and Risk factors of chancroid? 

Causes: 

The causative agent of Chancroid infection is bacteria named Hemophilus Ducreyi.

Risk factors for contracting the infections are:

·         Engaged in Unprotected sex

·         Multiple sex partners

·         Prostitutes or commercial sex workers are more seen infected with chancroid

·         Skin to skin contact with the infected person

·         Alcohol abuse or addiction

What are the signs and symptoms of chancroid?

Most of the people start developing symptoms after 3-10 days of contracting infection. 

Presence of sores/ulcers: 

Chancres or sores are often seen in the people affected with chancroid. The ulcers appear on the genitals. It may appear anywhere on the penis in the males or in the regions surrounding the vagina in females. In females the ulcer starts developing on the labial regions. There are folds surrounding the vagina. The ulcer when breaks open may ooze out the bloody or pus drainage fluid from the affected area.

The sores are very painful and have irregular edges, there is presence of exudate inside the lesion. Males can feel the pain much often. In females there may or may not be severe pain but they experience difficulty or burning while urination or intercourse.

Burning micturition, foul smelling vaginal discharge

 Swollen lymph nodes:

The lymph nodes are a part of the immune system and any infection in the body can cause swelling of infection. The lymph nodes in the area in the inguinal region swell due to the bacterial infection.

How is Chancroid diagnosed? 

Diagnosis of Chancroid:

Chancroid is diagnosed on the basis of history such as the travel history, sex history, contact history, past history of any sexually transmitted diseases.

The patient is physically assessed for the symptoms such as sores, type of lesions present and swollen lymph nodes. Swabs of broken ulcer exudates may be checked for the culture test to detect the presence of bacteria, Hemophilus Ducreyi.

What is the treatment of Chancroid? 

Treatment of chancroid focuses on the early detection of the ulcers or sores and managing the painful conditions of the affected person.

Antibacterial treatment is given to treat the infection. Antibiotic drugs such as Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, erythromycin, etc. are prescribed to control the infection and analgesics are given so as to relieve the pain.

Topical ointment may be prescribed for some of the intact sores. Large sores may be incised and drained to facilitate early recovery.  It may generally take few weeks to healing. In case of large contaminated ulcers, it may even last for months before healing.

The treatment plan is based on the types of sores, the condition or severity and the difficulty of the patient.

Is chancroid a preventable disease? 

Yes.  Chancroid is a preventable disease. 

What is the prevention for chancroid? 

Chancroid is a contagious disease but it is preventable with proper knowledge and health education.

  • Have protected sex. Use condoms.
  • Avoid having sexual contact if you suspect the symptoms such as development of papules or bumps.
  • Avoid having multiple partners. Be a faithful partner (my opinion…not necessary it’s yours too...Ha-ha)
  • Limit the intake of alcohol. Alcohol abuse hampers the judgement ability of the person and he may forget taking precautions.
  • Screening for STDs in case of any suspect
  • Try to keep yourselves informed about the various sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Initate treatment as soon as possible if you are experiencing the early symptoms of chancroid or are diagnosed for the same.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene.

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease or STD caused by bacteria, which can be cured by prompt treatment.



Note: This is an informational and educational purpose post only. It is not a substitute to any medical advice or consultation or treatment. Seek medical help in any case. 
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