Chancroid

Background

  • Caused by Haemophilus ducreyi
  • Sexually transmitted
  • Rare in western countries (leads to frequent misdiagnosis in these locations)
Chancroid (male)
Chancroid (female)

Clinical Features

  • Incubation period 3-7 days[1]
  • Lesions begin as soft chancre/papule → painful ulceration with ragged margins[1]
  • Within days to weeks, unilateral painful inguinal lymphadenopathy (buboes) forms
    • These may become abscessed and rupture

Differential Diagnosis

Sexually transmitted diseases

Evaluation

  • Generally clinical diagnosis
  • PCR can be used for indeterminate cases[1]

Management

Disposition

  • Discharge

See Also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Basta-Juzbašić A, Čeović R. Chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale, genital herpes simplex infection, and molluscum contagiosum. Clin Dermatol. 2014 Mar-Apr;32(2):290-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.08.013.
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf