Chancroid: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Prompt Answers for Genital Sores
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
What Is Chancroid?
Chancroid is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painful genital ulcers and swollen lymph nodes near the groin.
Chancroid spreads through direct sexual contact and is caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus ducreyi. It is now rare in countries with established STI control programmes, but cases still occur in parts of Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, where healthcare and preventive measures can be harder to access.
The open sores do more than cause discomfort, as they can make it easier to catch other infections, including HIV. Untreated sores can also deepen and leave scars or lasting damage to the surrounding tissue.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for Chancroid?
Chancroid occurs when Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria penetrate small breaks or abrasions in
the skin that may form during sexual contact. Transmission happens through direct exposure to
an infected person's sores during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Risk of infection rises with certain behaviours or exposures, such as:
- Having unprotected sex with one or more partners
- Engaging in sexual activity with individuals from regions where chancroid remains prevalent
The infection does not spread via casual interactions, shared utensils, or toilet facilities.
What Are the Symptoms of Chancroid Infection?
The first signs of chancroid usually appear between four and ten days after exposure to the infection. Early changes on the skin may include:
- Small red bumps forming on the genital area.
- Rapid progression of these bumps into painful ulcers, often called "soft chancres". The sores have irregular, tender edges with a soft yellow or grey base and may also occur inside the vaginal or anal area, where they can be less noticeable.
- Increasing discomfort during urination or sexual activity.
Other symptoms that may occur include:
- Swelling or tenderness in the groin due to enlarged lymph nodes, known as inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- Formation of pus-filled lumps called buboes, which can rupture and release fluid if left untreated.
What Are Complications of Chancroid Infection?
If left untreated, chancroid can cause several complications that affect both genital health and overall
recovery.
Common complications include:
- Persistent or recurring ulcers that may become chronic and leave scars after healing
- Greater susceptibility to HIV infection, as open sores make viral transmission more likely
- Abscess formation in the groin from infected lymph nodes, which can cause pain or tissue damage if not drained
- Spread of the infection into deeper tissue layers, resulting in more extensive genital injury and long-term discomfort
Noticed a painful genital sore? Several infections can look alike, so laboratory testing is needed to confirm chancroid. Book a consultation to have it checked.
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How Is Chancroid Tested for and Diagnosed?
Chancroid is identified through a combination of clinical evaluation and confirmatory
laboratory testing.
Painful genital sores accompanied by swollen groin lymph nodes may indicate the infection, although
its appearance can resemble other ulcerative conditions such as syphilis or genital
herpes. Laboratory analysis is therefore essential to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate
treatment.
Common diagnostic approaches include:
- Swab testing — Samples taken from the ulcer can be cultured or examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify Haemophilus ducreyi DNA.
- Blood tests — Performed to rule out other infections that cause genital ulcers, such as syphilis (via serological testing) and HIV.
How Is Chancroid Infection Treated and Managed?
Chancroid is usually treated with antibiotic therapy that targets Haemophilus ducreyi, relieves
discomfort, and supports ulcer healing. Noticeable improvement often occurs within 1 to 2 weeks
after starting treatment.
Common antibiotic options include azithromycin,
ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin. These medicines shorten the infection's
duration and prevent further transmission.
When lymph nodes become significantly swollen or develop abscesses, minor drainage or aspiration may be
needed to relieve pain and promote recovery. It is also important to avoid sexual contact until all
ulcers have completely healed to prevent reinfection and protect partners from exposure.
How Can Chancroid Infection Be Prevented?
Chancroid prevention relies on safer sexual practices and early STI screening. Important steps include:
- Using condoms correctly during all sexual encounters
- Reducing the number of sexual partners
- Avoiding sex with individuals who have visible genital ulcers or unexplained sores
- Seeking prompt assessment if ulcers, pain, or unusual discharge develop
- Going for regular sexual health check-ups helps detect infections early and reduces the risk of complications or onward transmission.
What Is the Cost of Chancroid Testing and Treatment?
At Singapore Women's Clinic, we provide private and confidential STI screening, including targeted testing for chancroid. Confirming the diagnosis allows appropriate antibiotic treatment to begin promptly if infection is detected.
| Test / Treatment | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Testing | |
|
Genital Ulcer PCR Testing (7 tests) – Swab Test
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus
|
$318 |
|
Enhanced Genital Ulcer Testing (18 tests) – Blood + Swab Test
HIV, Syphilis (swab + blood test), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus
HIV, Syphilis (swab + blood test), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus
|
$538 |
| Treatment | |
| Oral Antibiotics | From $1.09 per tab |
*All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Payment Options We Accept
Both male and female doctors are available at our clinics, depending on appointment availability, to ensure
your comfort.
For enquiries about testing options or to schedule a consultation, please contact us directly.
Why Choose Our Sexual Health Services?
Same-Day Testing Available
We offer same-day appointments for STD screening, with female doctors available.
Discreet & MOH-Registered
As a licensed medical clinic, we provide confidential care in a respectful environment.
Non-Judgemental Care
You can speak openly about your sexual health with our doctors, without fear or assumptions about your lifestyle or history.
