Chancroid

• One or more painful, open sores (ulcers) on the genitals, often with irregular, ragged edges. These sores typically have a soft base that bleeds easily.
• Pus or discharge may be present on the ulcer.
• Painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, which can sometimes form large, pus-filled abscesses known as buboes. These buboes may rupture, forming draining ulcers.

Chancroid spreads primarily through sexual contact, specifically via direct skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact with the open sores or infected fluid from an ulcer of an infected person. The bacteria can enter the body through any small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes during sexual activity. It is not typically transmitted through casual, non-sexual contact.

• Consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual activity.
• Limiting sexual partners and avoiding casual sexual encounters.
• Abstinence from sexual activity.
• Avoiding sexual contact if you or your partner have visible genital sores or symptoms.
• There is no vaccine available for Chancroid.