Chancroid - meaning and definition
Alsosoft chancreHaemophilus ducreyisoft sorechancroidal ulcer
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Chancroid is a bacterial STI that causes painful genital ulcers and swollen glands; it is now rare in most countries.
At a glance
- Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi.
- It causes painful genital ulcers and swollen glands.
- It is now rare in most countries.
- It is treated with antibiotics.
- People diagnosed are usually also tested for HIV and syphilis.
In detail
Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It was once common in parts of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean but has declined sharply worldwide.
The sores are typically painful, unlike the usually painless first sore of syphilis. It is treated with antibiotics. Because genital ulcers make HIV transmission easier, anyone diagnosed is usually also tested for HIV and syphilis.
In a sentence
- The textbook listed chancroid as a rare cause of genital ulcers.
- The doctor explained that chancroid sores are usually painful, unlike the first sore of syphilis.
Where the word comes from
The name means "resembling a chancre", the sore of syphilis, and was used to distinguish the two conditions.
Not to be confused with
- Syphilis
The first sore of syphilis is typically painless, while chancroid sores are painful.
Common questions
How is chancroid different from syphilis?
Both can cause genital sores, but chancroid sores are typically painful, while the first sore of syphilis is usually painless. Testing is needed to tell them apart.
Why are people with chancroid tested for HIV?
Genital ulcers make HIV transmission easier, so anyone diagnosed with chancroid is usually also tested for HIV and syphilis. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.