Living with Chancroid
A bacterial infection spread by sexual contact that causes painful genital sores.
Understanding Chancroid
It starts as a small bump on the genitals that becomes a painful ulcer. Men may have just one ulcer, while women often have four or more. About half of people develop enlarged lymph nodes in the groin fold, and sometimes these break through the skin and drain.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list for this condition. Its summary describes these features:
- A small bump on the genitals
- A painful genital ulcer
- Several ulcers (often in women)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Draining abscesses from swollen nodes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Chancroid is caused by Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria. It is spread through sexual contact.
Also known as: chancroidal bubo; ducrey's chancre; soft chancre - chancroid; soft sore - chancroid; ulcus molle, skin
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Chancroid.
Explore research for Chancroid
Explore actively recruiting Chancroid studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Chancroid with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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