What is Chancroid?

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes genital ulcers. Though extremely rare in the U.S., there are still occasional outbreaks of chancroid. Worldwide, chancroid cases continue to decrease but still occur in certain African regions and the Caribbean.
 

What are the Symptoms of Chancroid?

Typically, a small bump appears on the skin in the genital area between four and ten days after infection. The bump will quickly fill with pus and then develops into an extremely painful ulcer with soft irregular edges, often referred to as a “soft chancre.” You may have several ulcers in a chancroid outbreak. 

Since ulcers are usually fragile, some can rupture and become infected. These infections lead to deep tissue destruction and disfigurement of external genitalia. 

Left untreated, the ulcer(s) will go away within one to three months.
 

How do You Know if You Have Chancroid? 

Chancroid resembles herpes and syphilis, both of which are far more common causes of genital ulcer disease in the U.S. The best way to know for sure if you have chancroid is to schedule an appointment for STD testing. Your health care provider will determine if you have chancroid based on an examination and lab tests for herpes, syphilis, and chancroid.
 

Is Chancroid Treatable?

Yes. Health care providers treat chancroid with antibiotics. If your provider treats you for chancroid, make sure you schedule a follow up three to seven days after you finish your antibiotic treatment. Your provider will re-examine you to confirm treatment success. 

If you test positive for chancroid, you should talk to your partners and encourage them to get tested for chancroid as well.
 

How Can You Stay Healthy?

• If you have sex, use a latex condom the right way every time. 
• Have sex with one partner who has sex only with you. 
• Do not have sex until you and your partner(s) no longer have chancroid or other STDs.
• Schedule an appointment with your doctor or OB/GYN to get rested for STDs.

The only sure way to avoid chancroid and other STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.