Chancroid

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Male and female reproductive systems

The infection is treated with antibiotics including azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin. Large lymph node swellings need drainage either by needle or local surgery.

Chancroid can resolve spontaneously. However, some people may experience months of painful ulceration and draining. Antibiotic treatment usually results in rapid clearing of lesions with a minimal to small amount of scarring.

• Urethral fistulas
• Phimosis in uncircumcised males (scars on the foreskin of the penis)
• Patients with chancroid should also be checked for syphilis, HIV, and genital herpes
• Patients with HIV may take much longer to heal

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of chancroid. Also call if you have had sexual contact with a person known to have any STD, or if you have engaged in high-risk sexual practices.

Review Date: 06/20/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.