common in Africa, it is becoming more so in both Europe and the USA.
How is it transmitted?
Chancroid is highly contagious, via skin-to-skin contact with open sores
or coming into contact with the fluid from them - so while it is defined
as a sexually-transmitted infection, there are other ways to contract
it. You remain infectious until the ulcers have healed.
The symptoms?
Ulcers (sores), usually of the genitals. They develop within three to
10 days of
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contact. The ulcer begins as a tender, raised bump in
the skin that becomes a pus-filled, open sore with ragged edges. It is
soft to the touch (unlike a syphilis 'chancre', which is hard or rubbery).
In men these ulcers can be very painful; but women are often unaware of
them. You may also have swollen lymph glands in your groin, which will
feel like hard lumps and be painful when you lightly press them.
How is it treated?
A swab will be taken from the ulcer and analysed, as Chancroid is often
confused with syphilis or herpes. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection.
The ulcers usually improve within three to seven days, though may take
two weeks or more to heal. If you have HIV, healing may be slower and
you may need to take the antibiotic for longer. Once the ulcers are healed
there is no risk of further transmission.
Why worry about chancroid?
Chancroid is a co-factor for HIV transmission. Complications may arise
if it is not treated. The lymph glands may become further infected, sometimes
fusing together to form a bubo (an inflammation and swelling of one or
more lymph nodes with overlying red skin) which may require surgical drainage.
Chlamydia
What is it? Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It targets the cells of the membranes lining many parts of the body. These include the inside of your
