Canker sore soft sore its causes symptoms methods of treatment and prevention

Over the past years, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have spread in ways we had not heard of before. Some of these diseases have names that sound unfamiliar, including chancroid, also known as soft chancre. This condition manifests as painful sores on the genital organs. In this guide, we will answer some of the most important questions about this disease: What is it? How is it transmitted? What are its symptoms? How can it be treated and prevented? Plus, we will provide other useful information you may need to know.

What is Chancroid (Soft Chancre)?

Chancroid, also known as "soft chancre," is a bacterial infection that causes painful ulcers on the genital area. It is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi and is classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If diagnosed early, chancroid is easy to treat.

Key Facts About Chancroid:

• Size of ulcers: Chancroid sores usually range from about 0.125 inches to 2 inches in diameter.

• Ulcer edges: The borders of the ulcers are irregular and uneven.

• Ulcer base: The base of the ulcer often has a grayish or yellowish substance.

• Affects both genders: The disease can affect both men and women with similar symptoms.

• Bleeding: If the ulcer is scratched or rubbed, it may start to bleed.

• Swollen lymph nodes: About 60% of chancroid cases lead to swollen lymph nodes, causing severe pain.

• Painful ulcers: Chancroid causes large, painful sores on the genital organs, and it may also lead to swollen lymph nodes in the affected area.

• Higher risk for uncircumcised men: Uncircumcised men are more likely to contract chancroid than circumcised men, especially if they have unprotected sex with an infected person.

• Differences in symptoms: More than half of infected men develop a single ulcer, while women often develop four or more ulcers. However, symptoms in women tend to be less painful than in men.

• Treatment: Chancroid can be easily treated with specific antibiotics. Once treated, the ulcer disappears completely without leaving scars.

Differences Between Syphilis and Chancroid

Although syphilis and chancroid are both classified as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), there are key differences between them:

• Location of symptoms:

  • Chancroid: Appears only on the genitals as soft and tender ulcers.

  • Syphilis: Causes hard-edged sores that can appear in different areas of the body, such as the mouth, genitals, and anus.

How is Chancroid Transmitted?

Chancroid is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. The bacteria responsible for the disease pass from an infected person to a healthy person through tiny cuts or abrasions in the genital area. In some cases, transmission can occur even if no visible wounds are present on the skin.

Symptoms of Chancroid

After infection, symptoms typically appear within 1 to 14 days. The first sign is usually a small bump on the genitals, which later develops into a painful sore.

• Within one day, the small bump turns into a larger, more painful ulcer.

• The ulcer becomes increasingly painful over time if left untreated.

• Treatment with appropriate antibiotics helps eliminate the sores without leaving scars.

Risks of Chancroid Infection

Increased Risk of Other STDs

Chancroid ulcers create open wounds, increasing the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases, particularly HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing complications.

Types of Chancroid

Although chancroid is caused by a single bacterium (Haemophilus ducreyi), it can be categorized based on the severity and appearance of ulcers:

1. Mild Chancroid

   • Small ulcers, sometimes only one.

   • Mild or moderate pain.

   • Rarely causes severe swelling of lymph nodes.

   • Easily treatable with antibiotics like azithromycin or ceftriaxone.

2. Severe Chancroid

   • Larger ulcers, up to 2 inches in size.

   • Extremely painful and prone to bleeding.

   • Accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the groin that may require drainage.

3. Phagedenic Chancroid

   • Occurs in people with weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV.

   • Larger, deeper ulcers that spread to surrounding tissue.

   • Slower healing process, even with treatment.

4. Chancroid with Suppurative Lymphadenopathy

   • Severe swelling in the groin lymph nodes.

   • Formation of abscesses filled with pus, which may rupture or require drainage.

   • Extremely painful and can affect movement.

Diagnosis of Chancroid

Diagnosing chancroid can be challenging because its symptoms resemble other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis and genital herpes. Doctors use multiple methods to confirm the diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination:

  • Presence of one or more painful genital ulcers.

  • Swelling and tenderness in the groin lymph nodes.

  • Ruling out syphilis and herpes through specialized tests.

• Gram Stain Test:

  • In some cases, a Gram stain test can help detect H. ducreyi bacteria, though it is not highly reliable.

Complications of Untreated Chancroid

If left untreated, chancroid can lead to serious complications, including:

• Increased risk of transmitting the infection to sexual partners.

• Higher likelihood of contracting HIV.

• Permanent damage to genital tissues and skin discoloration.

• Secondary infections from open ulcers.

• Abscess formation in lymph nodes, requiring surgical drainage.

Treatment of Chancroid

Chancroid is highly treatable with antibiotics. While some ulcers may heal on their own within 2 to 3 months, immediate medical treatment is recommended to prevent complications and transmission.

Best Antibiotics for Chancroid:

• Azithromycin (1g orally, single dose).

• Ceftriaxone (250mg intramuscular injection, single dose).

• Erythromycin (500mg orally, three times daily for 7 days).

• Ciprofloxacin (500mg orally, twice daily for 3 days).

With proper treatment, symptoms usually improve within 2 to 3 weeks. If severe swelling occurs in the lymph nodes, a doctor may need to drain them to relieve pain and speed up healing.

Natural Remedies for Chancroid Relief

While antibiotics remain the primary treatment, some natural remedies may help soothe symptoms and promote healing:

1. Honey: Apply raw honey directly to the ulcers twice daily.

2. Garlic: Eat 1-2 cloves daily or apply diluted garlic oil to the sores.

3. Coconut Oil: Apply virgin coconut oil to the affected area.

4. Turmeric: Mix turmeric powder with honey or water and apply as a paste.

5. Aloe Vera: Use fresh aloe vera gel on the sores twice daily.

6. Tea Tree Oil: Dilute with coconut oil and apply once daily.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix a teaspoon in water and use as a topical rinse.

Prevention of Chancroid

• Practice safe sex: Use condoms to reduce risk, though they are not 100% effective.

• Seek medical attention immediately: If you notice any ulcers, consult a doctor for prompt treatment.

• Treat both partners: If infected, both sexual partners should be treated to prevent reinfection.

Which Doctor Treats Chancroid?

• Dermatologists & Venereologists (Primary specialists for STDs).

• Infectious Disease Specialists (For severe or complicated cases).

• Urologists (For men with urinary complications).

• Gynecologists (For women with associated infections).