Chancroid is the sexually transmitted bacterial infection that causes open sores around the genitals of men. Since it is an STD, it can spread through sexual contacts. The infection usually causes the lymph nodes in groin to inflate, swell and sometimes painful. The infection is caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus Ducreyi and this bacterium targets and attack the tissues in the genital region of men and cause open sores which are referred to as Chancroid or ulcer. These ulcers usually bleed and produce a fluid which is highly contagious and hence it can spread during anal, oral or vaginal intercourse. The infection may also spread from skin to skin contact and sexual contacts. People with this infection must seek medical attention as soon as they notice any symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Chancroid?
The symptoms of Chancroid usually begin showing up after 2-10 days of contracting the infection. In some cases, there are no visible symptoms. Men who are having the infection usually start noticing red, small bump on the genital region which may convert into open sore within 2-5 days. This is a kind of ulcer which can form in any area of genitals including the scrotum and penis. The base of the open sore may look like yellow and grey bump and may have a painful experience. Some of the additional symptoms of the infection include:
- Bleeding and painful sores
- Ulcer with a soft center that is defined as grey or yellow ulcer with sharp edges
- Painful intercourse or pain during urination
- Swollen lymph nodes which can break the skin
- Swelling in the groin where the lower abdomen and thigh meet
What are the Treatments for Chancroid?
Chancroid can be treated easily in the early stage with medications and for advanced-level surgery is necessary to treat the infection. In the early stage of the condition, doctors usually prescribe the patients with antibiotics to kill the bacterium causing Chancroid. Antibiotics prescribed to the patient may also reduce the chance of scarring which is common when the ulcer heals.
Surgery is mainly prescribed to patients with an advanced level of Chancroid. Surgery is performed to discharge the painful and larger abscess in the lymph nodes using surgical tools and needles. This minimizes the swelling and also pain as the sore heals. However, it may cause slight scarring on the site which may fade away with medications. The treatment plan is well decided based on the stage of the infection.