User:Mr. Ibrahem/Chancroid

Chancroid is sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful sores on the genitals and large lymph nodes in the groin. The ulcers are generally 1 to 2 cm in size. The lymph nodes may grow to such a size that they rupture. Onset is 4 to 10 days after exposure.

It occurs due to the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi. It spreads between people by sex, with the risk being 35% during an episode of contact. In spreads more readily in those who are uncircumcised. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms, though may be confirmed using a special culture media or PCR.

Treatment is with antibiotics such as azithromycin or ceftriaxone. With treatment symptoms should improve within 2 weeks. Fluid filled lymph nodes may required incision and drainage. Sexual partners should also be treated. Without treatment, the ulcers generally heal within 1 to 3 months.

Chancroid is rare. In the United States less than 20 cases are diagnosed a year. Those between 20 and 30 are most commonly affected. It occurs more frequently among sex workers. While a disease with compatible symptoms has been described since the time of the Ancient Greeks, chancroid was first differentiated from syphilis in the mid-1800s.