Chancroid infection is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi . This infection attacks tissue in the patient and causes an open sore known as the chancroid. The condition affects both men and women, and may bleed with a contagion, which spreads the bacterium. Skin contact with an infected person may cause spread of the disease. Alternatively, the person can be infected during intercourse with an infected person, because open sores are also found on the genitalia of the patient. This paper looks at the health assessment of chancroid.
This condition is common in developing nations, as occurrence in the United States has reduced over time. Sexually active people are at risk of chancroid, especially when traveling to countries with insufficient resources. Shared resources for healthcare, water, food and shelter are among some resources, which increase risk factors to contracting chancroid.
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Different symptoms occur for men and women. The occurrence may begin a day or several weeks after exposure. For men, a small red lump may appear on the genitals (including penis and scrotum), which becomes an open sore after a day or two. For women, red bumps appear between the labia, on the thighs or anus. After the bumps become ulcers, bowel movement and urination becomes painful.
A health professional can diagnose the condition by taking a sample of the fluid drained from the sore and sent for lab analysis. Alternatively, it is possible to have one’s lymph nodes in the groin area for swelling. Chancroid is, however, easily treatable with medication, which hastens the recovery. Nevertheless, it is possible for the self-healing of the individual, but this will result in scarring. Antibiotics prescribed by a health professional will help the individual recover with minimal chances of scarring. Additionally, minor surgery can be done by draining the lymph nodes from the fluid, thereby healing the sores. Nevertheless, scarring may occur at the site.
In conclusion, chancroid is curable and may heal without scarring when medication is taken as prescribed. However, untreated condition may lead to permanent scars and serious health complications in women. For prevention, one could use condoms for protected sex. Additionally, avoiding high-risk sexual behavior and limiting the number of sexual partner is critical as much as informing one’s partner regarding one’s health status.
References
Macon, B. L. (2015). Chancroid . Retrieved from Health Line: http://www.healthline.com/health/chancroid#overview1
