STI Explained: What Is Chancroid?

Most people have never heard of it until they contract it. Chancroid is a rare but aggressive sexually transmitted infection that can take effect within three days of contact. It spreads quickly, causing intense discomfort and opening the door to other infections. The good news? It’s fully curable, provided you recognise the signs and act quickly. Read on to find out how to protect yourself and your partners.

Table of Contents

• What Is Chancroid?
• How Do You Get It?
• Signs and Symptoms
• Complications if Untreated
• Getting a Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Summary

What Is Chancroid?

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It primarily affects the genital area and is transmitted through direct sexual contact with an infected person.

Although it is relatively rare in many developed countries, chancroid remains a public health concern in certain parts of the world. The risk is particularly high in Southeast Asia, India and parts of Africa and Latin America. 

Source: Queensland Government, 2023

How Do You Get It?

Chancroid is spread primarily through sexual contact with an infected person. The bacteria enter the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Direct contact with the ulcer or its pus is the main route of transmission.

Ways it can be transmitted:

• Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner
• Skin-to-skin contact with chancroid ulcers or discharge
• Rarely, from contaminated hands or objects to the genital area (fomite transmission is uncommon)

People with multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, or sex in areas where chancroid is more common are at higher risk.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, n.d.

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period (the time between becoming infected and developing symptoms), is usually 3-7 (up until 35) days after having sexual contact with an infected person.

Key symptoms:

• Painful genital ulcers with soft base and sharp, undermined edges
• Single or multiple ulcers (commonly on genitals, perineum, or inner thighs)
• Gray or yellow purulent discharge from ulcer base
• Redness and swelling around the ulcer
• Tender, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes (may be unilateral or bilateral)
• Buboes (pus-filled lymph node swellings) that can rupture
• Pain during urination (dysuria)
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Mild fever or malaise (less common)

Source: Morris, R., n.d.; Cleveland Clinic, n.d.

Complications if Untreated

If left untreated, chancroid ulcers can last one to three months, bleed easily and cause significant discomfort. In around half of cases, swollen, painful lumps (buboes) form in the groin within one to two weeks and may rupture, releasing pus and increasing the risk of secondary infection. The disease can leave scarring and increases the risk of contracting HIV by providing an entry point for the virus (Ngan, V., & Renaud, N., n.d.).

Getting a Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chancroid begins with a clinical examination by a healthcare provider, focusing on the appearance of the sores and any swollen lymph nodes in the groin. Because chancroid symptoms can resemble those of other STIs (such as syphilis), laboratory tests are often needed to confirm the cause (NCBI, n.d.).

Testing may include:

• Swab of the ulcer to check for Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria using culture or molecular tests (like PCR).
• Blood tests to rule out other STIs (e.g., syphilis and HIV).
• Lymph node aspiration if buboes (swollen inflamed lymph node) are present, to collect pus for testing.

Source: Alfa M. et al, 2005.

For a convenient and discreet option, you can also use Homed-IQ’s products to test for STIs easily and anonymously from home, ensuring privacy while getting reliable results.

Treatment

If you suspect chancroid or contact with an infected partner, see your doctor promptly for accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and testing for other STIs. Early care speeds healing, prevents complications, and stops further spread.

Chancroid can be completely cured with the right antibiotics, which kill Haemophilus ducreyi and promote the healing of sores. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and erythromycin. Once the infection has been treated, the bacteria are eliminated and the sores heal. However, reinfection can occur if you are exposed to the bacteria again, so it is essential to complete the full course of treatment and ensure that all recent sexual partners are also treated.

Sexual partners should also be examined and treated, even if they are not showing any symptoms, in order to prevent reinfection or further transmission. It is essential that both the patient and their partner(s) abstain from sexual activity until all ulcers have healed and treatment has been completed.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, n.d.

Prevention

The following strategies are designed to help reduce your risk of contracting or spreading an STI such as chancroid:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Avoid sexual contact with partners who have symptoms of an STI
• Get regular STI screenings, especially if you have multiple partners or live in/visit high-prevalence areas
• Ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for yourself and sexual partners if infected
• Maintain open communication about sexual health with partners

Source: CDC, 2024.

Summary

Chancroid is a rare but curable sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. Spread through sexual contact, it can present with painful genital sores and swollen lymph nodes within 3-7 days. Although it is uncommon in developed countries, it is still present in parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can cure the infection, prevent complications, and stop it from being transmitted further. Practising safer sex and ensuring that all sexual partners are treated are key to preventing the infection.