Chancroid

Overview

Chancroid is rare in the U.S. and more common in some parts of the world.

Chancroid causes painful sores and swollen groin lymph nodes.

It raises the risk of getting HIV.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Painful genital sore
• Painful sore on the genitals with a painful groin lump

Less common

• Pus in groin glands

When to get medical care

Causes

Bacteria.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: sex.
• Condoms lower the risk. Sex partners should be tested and treated too.

Who is more likely to get it

• People with many sex partners: Higher risk
• Travelers to areas where it's common: Higher risk

Possible complications

• HIV: Open sores raise HIV risk
• Groin abscess: Swollen glands can fill with pus

Diagnosis

Tests.

Treatment

Treat.

Self-care

• Avoid sex until healed

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Condoms

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a sexual health clinic, an OB-GYN, or a urologist; your local health department can test for free or low cost.

Back to school, work, or sports

• You can go to school and work as usual.
• Don't have sex until you and your partners finish treatment and your doctor says it's OK.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Travelers: More common abroad.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Curable.

Antibiotics cure it.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Should I be tested for HIV and syphilis?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Chancroid