What do Doctors call this Condition? -Soft chancre

What is this Condition?

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease marked by painful genital ulcers and swollen, possibly ulcerated, lymph nodes in the groin area.

This infection occurs worldwide but is most common in tropical countries. It affects men more often than women.

Chancroidal ulcers may heal by themselves and usually respond well to treatment if there are no secondary infections. A high rate of HIV infection has been reported among people with chancroid.

What Causes it?

Chancroid is caused by a bacterium and is transmitted through sexual contact. Poor hygiene may predispose men - especially those who are uncircumcised - to this disease.

What are its Symptoms?

After a 3- to 5-day incubation period, a small pimple erupts at the site of entry, usually the groin or inner thigh; in men, it may appear on the penis; in women, on the vulva, vagina, or cervix. Occasionally, it may erupt on the tongue, lip, breast, or navel. The pimple rapidly breaks out into an ulcer, becoming painful, soft, and foul-smelling; it bleeds easily and produces pus. It’s gray and shallow, with irregular edges, and measures up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter.

Within 2 to 3 weeks, lymph nodes in the groin area become swollen, creating pus-filled, inflamed nodes that may rupture into large ulcers or buboes. Headache and malaise occur in 50% of people with chancroid. During the healing stage, phimosis (narrowed orifice of the foreskin) may develop.

How is it Diagnosed?

Lab tests provide evidence of the disease but are not 100% reliable. A biopsy (removal and analysis of tissue) confirms the diagnosis but is reserved for resistant cases or cases in which cancer is suspected. Additional tests may be performed to rule out other sexually transmitted diseases that cause similar ulcers. Testing for HIV infection should be done at the time of diagnosis.

How is it Treated?

The treatment of choice includes the following drugs: Zithromax, E-mycin, or Rocephin. The safety of Zithromax for pregnant or breast-feeding women has not been established. Aspiration of fluid­filled nodes helps prevent spreading the infection.

What can a Person with Chancroid do?

Don’t apply lotions, creams, or oils on or near your genitalia or on other lesion sites. Avoid sexual contact until healing is complete (usually about 2 weeks after treatment begins). Wash your genitalia daily with soap and water. If you’re an uncircumcised man, you should retract the foreskin for thorough cleaning.