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Chancroid Infection: What It Is, Symptoms, & How It Is Treated
Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painful genital ulcers and swelling of the groin lymph nodes. Although it is less common than other STDs today, chancroid remains clinically important because its symptoms can be severe and may be mistaken for other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis or genital herpes.
Early recognition and proper medical treatment are essential to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of transmission. Because chancroid can increase susceptibility to other STIs, including HIV, prompt diagnosis plays a key role in protecting overall sexual health.
What Is Chancroid?
Chancroid is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi. The infection primarily affects the skin and soft tissues of the genital area, leading to open sores or ulcers. These ulcers are typically painful and may bleed easily. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin can also develop as part of the infection.
While chancroid is less frequently diagnosed in many countries today, it still occurs and should be considered when evaluating painful genital ulcers, particularly after unprotected sexual contact. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are important to reduce symptoms and prevent further transmission.
How Chancroid Is Transmitted
Chancroid spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected ulcer during sexual activity and is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet.
Transmission is more likely during unprotected sexual contact, when open sores are present, or when sexual partners are not treated at the same time. Because chancroid ulcers can bleed, the infection also increases the risk of acquiring or transmitting other sexually transmitted diseases.
Symptoms of Chancroid
Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 10 days after exposure. The severity can vary, but chancroid is known for causing painful genital lesions, which distinguishes it from some other infections. Common symptoms include:
- One or more painful genital ulcers
- Soft ulcers with irregular edges
- Ulcers that may bleed or produce discharge
- Pain during urination or sexual activity
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the groin
- Groin swelling that may develop into abscesses
In some cases, swollen lymph nodes may rupture and drain pus, causing additional discomfort and infection risk.
Chancroid vs Other Genital Ulcer Conditions
Chancroid can resemble other sexually transmitted diseases that cause genital ulcers, making an accurate diagnosis essential. Syphilis typically presents with painless ulcers, while genital herpes often causes clusters of blisters or sores.
In contrast, chancroid usually causes deep, painful ulcers accompanied by tender groin swelling. Because symptoms can overlap, medical evaluation and appropriate testing are needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other infections.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain factors may increase the risk of chancroid by raising exposure to infected skin or bodily fluids, including:
- Unprotected sexual activity
- Multiple sexual partners
- Sexual contact with someone who has genital ulcers
- Travel to regions where chancroid is more prevalent
- Co-existing STDs or STIs
Identifying risk factors helps guide testing and treatment decisions, allowing earlier diagnosis and more effective management.
How Chancroid Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis of chancroid begins with a medical consultation and physical examination of the genital area. Because the bacteria can be difficult to culture, diagnosis is often made based on symptoms and by excluding other causes of genital ulcers. A healthcare provider may recommend:
- Swab tests from the ulcer
- Blood tests to rule out syphilis or HIV
- Testing for other STDs or STIs
Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment and prevents unnecessary or ineffective medication use.
Treatment Options for Chancroid
Chancroid is treatable with antibiotics, and early treatment usually leads to rapid improvement. Prompt therapy also helps reduce pain, promote faster healing of ulcers, and lower the risk of complications or transmission to others.
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the bacteria and promote healing of the ulcers. Symptoms often improve within a few days, but it is important to complete the full course of medication even if discomfort resolves early. Stopping treatment too soon may allow the infection to persist or recur, delaying full recovery.
Management of Complications
If groin lymph nodes become severely swollen or form abscesses, additional medical procedures may be required to drain the infection safely. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of scarring and prolonged pain. Early medical intervention also helps prevent secondary infections and speeds overall healing.
Partner Treatment
Sexual partners should be evaluated and treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms. This helps prevent reinfection and further spread of the infection. Avoiding sexual contact until treatment is completed is also recommended to ensure effective resolution.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Leaving chancroid untreated can lead to worsening pain, enlargement of genital ulcers, secondary bacterial infections, persistent groin swelling or abscess formation, and HIV transmission. An untreated infection also allows ongoing spread to sexual partners. Early treatment helps shorten recovery time, reduce complications, and limit further transmission.
Prevention of Chancroid
Preventive measures focus on reducing exposure, early recognition of symptoms, and maintaining sexual health awareness, including:
- Practising safe sex and consistent condom use
- Avoiding sexual contact when genital sores are present
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Seeking early medical evaluation for genital symptoms
- Ensuring partners are tested and treated
Prompt attention to symptoms helps stop transmission early, protect sexual partners, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Painful genital ulcers and groin swelling can cause anxiety, embarrassment, or distress. It is important to understand that chancroid is a medical condition that can be treated effectively with proper care. Healthcare professionals provide confidential, non-judgemental support to address both physical symptoms and emotional concerns.
When to See a Doctor
Medical advice should be sought promptly if symptoms suggestive of chancroid appear or if there has been potential exposure to infection, including:
- Painful genital ulcers appear
- Groin swelling or tenderness develops
- Ulcers bleed, worsen, or do not heal
- Symptoms occur after unprotected sex
- There is uncertainty about the diagnosis
Early consultation ensures timely treatment and prevents complications, while also reducing discomfort and limiting the risk of transmission to others.
Taking the Next Step Toward Chancroid Recovery
Chancroid is uncommon but serious if left untreated. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment help relieve symptoms quickly and reduce the risk of long-term complications or transmission to others.
Dr Chong Clinic provides private screening and treatment for STDs and STIs, including conditions that cause genital ulcers, in a professional and supportive environment. Our experienced medical team is committed to accurate diagnosis, clear guidance, and confidential care. Book an appointment with Dr Chong Clinic today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is chancroid common?
Chancroid is less common today compared to other STDs, but it still occurs and should be considered when painful genital ulcers are present, especially after unprotected sexual contact.
2. Is chancroid treatable?
Yes. Chancroid is treatable with antibiotics, and early treatment usually leads to rapid improvement and healing of ulcers.
3. What happens if chancroid is left untreated?
Untreated chancroid can lead to worsening pain, enlargement of ulcers, secondary bacterial infections, groin abscesses, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
4. Can chancroid increase the risk of HIV?
Yes. Open genital ulcers caused by chancroid can make it easier for HIV to be acquired or transmitted during sexual contact.
*All images used in this article are AI-generated.
