Chancroid is one of the genital ulcer diseases (GUD). It tends to be uncommon in developed countries but can be common in the tropics and subtropics.
Cause: Haemophilus ducreyi
Incubation period: 3 to 7 days
Risk factors:
(1) recent travel to a Third World country
(2) sex worker
(3) other promiscuous groups
Clinical features:
(1) initially there is a tender, erythematous papule, followed by a pustule
(2) the pustule progresses to a shallow ulcer
(3) inguinal lymphadenopathy with or without bubo, may be massive
(4) variable fever
Features of the chancroid genital ulcer:
(1) shallow with a ragged edge
(2) painful and tender
(3) not indurated
(4) bleeds easily if debrided
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Urology
