Chancroid... What is it?

It seems you?re ready to sharpen your chancroid (starts with a "sh" sound) knowledge! On to it then: Chancroid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with sores on an infected individual?s skin. The bacteria, Haemophilus ducreyi, can lead to painful, open sores and swollen lymph nodes, usually in the groin area. It's relatively rare in the United States (including in infants and children), and appears to be more prevalent in some regions of Africa and the Caribbean. It's also more common in those assigned male at birth that those assigned female at birth (but those assigned female can be asymptomatic carriers). A proper diagnosis is key to appropriate treatment, as symptoms of chancroid can be confused with primary syphilis [2]. But, fear not, because it's treatable; antibiotics are typically used to speed up the healing process, but the sores may also clear up on their own. If left untreated though, chancroid can lead to skin damage. Keep reading for even more detailed information on the condition.