Chancroid: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chancroid?
An infectious disease doctor (a doctor who treats infections) usually treats chancroid. A gynecologist (a female reproductive doctor) or a urologist (a urinary tract doctor) may also help. Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection that causes painful sores on the genitals. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is chancroid?
Chancroid is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. It causes open sores on the genitals that are soft and painful. The infection is uncommon in the United States. It is more common in parts of the world such as Africa and southwest Asia. Most people in the United States who are diagnosed with chancroid get it outside the country. A chancroid sore can look like the sore of primary syphilis (chancre).
Symptoms
Within 1 day to 2 weeks after infection, a small bump appears on the genitals. It becomes an ulcer (an open sore) within a day after it first appears. The ulcer:
- Is painful and soft.
- Has sharply defined borders.
- Has a base covered with gray or yellowish-gray material.
- Bleeds easily if it is bumped or scraped.
About one half of infected men have only a single ulcer. Women often have 4 or more. In women, the most common symptoms are pain with urination and intercourse. About one half of people who are infected develop enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands) in the groin. In one half of those people, the nodes break through the skin and cause draining abscesses. These swollen nodes are also called buboes.
Causes and who gets it
Chancroid is caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus ducreyi. It spreads through sexual contact with an infected person. Having chancroid is a risk factor in HIV transmission and acquisition. This means it raises the chance of catching or spreading HIV.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider diagnoses chancroid by looking at the sores, checking for swollen lymph nodes, and testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There is no blood test for chancroid. A lab can try to grow the bacterium from a sample, but this special culture is not widely available.
Treatment
Chancroid is treated with antibiotics. Successful antibiotic treatment for chancroid cures the infection, resolves the symptoms, and prevents transmission to others. The antibiotics used include ceftriaxone and azithromycin. They can be given as a single dose. Large lymph node swellings may need to be drained, either with a needle or local surgery.
If treatment works, the sores usually start to feel better within 3 days and look better within 7 days. Large sores might take more than 2 weeks to heal completely. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your provider should use different medicines. People with HIV may take much longer to heal. They should be monitored closely.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of chancroid. Contact your provider if you have had sexual contact with a person who you know has an STI. People with chancroid should also be checked for other sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, HIV, and genital herpes.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine the sores and order tests for STIs. They can also coordinate care with an infectious disease doctor and follow your treatment over time.
Common questions
How do you catch chancroid?
You catch it through sexual contact with an infected person. It is caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus ducreyi.
What do the sores look like?
The sores are soft, painful ulcers with sharply defined borders. The base is covered with gray or yellowish-gray material and bleeds easily if bumped. A chancroid sore can look like the sore of primary syphilis.
How is chancroid treated?
It is treated with antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Successful antibiotic treatment cures the infection and prevents spread to others. Large swollen lymph nodes may need to be drained.
Should my partner be treated?
Yes. Sex partners should be examined and treated if they had sexual contact within the 10 days before symptoms started. This is true even if they have no symptoms.
How can I lower my risk?
The proper use of condoms greatly decreases the risk of catching an STI. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
