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DESCRIPTION
Chancroid (Soft Chancre) is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by painful genital ulcerations. Exposure is usually through sexual intercourse, but accidentally acquired lesions have occurred on the hands. The incubation period is from 3 to 5 days. Chancroid can be transmitted from someone who has no symptoms.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
After an incubation period of 1 day to 2 weeks, chancroid begins with a small bump that becomes a small painful lesion (ulcer, sore or boil) within a day of its appearance. It is usually found on the external genitalia. After it becomes an open running ulceration, more lesions often develop. The ulcer characteristically:
- Ranges in size dramatically from 1/8 inch to 2 inches across).
- Is painful.
- Has sharply defined borders.
- Has irregular or ragged borders.
- Has a base that is covered with a grey or yellowish-grey material.
- Has a base that bleeds easily if traumatized or scraped.
The ulcers appear in specific locations. On women, the lesions most commonly appear on the labia majora. "Kissing ulcers" may develop. These are ulcers that occur on opposing surfaces of the skin. Other areas such as the labia minora, cervix, perineal area, and inner thighs may also be involved. The most common symptoms in women are pain with urination and pain with intercourse. Some women may have no external signs of infection. Women frequently have 4 or more ulcers. About half of men only have a single ulcer.
Common locations in men (most common to least common) are:
- Foreskin (prepuce).
- Groove behind the head of the penis (coronal sulcus).
- Shaft of the penis.
- Head of the penis (glans).
- Opening of the penis (urethral meatus).
- Scrotum.
The initial ulcer may be mistaken as a chancre, the typical sore of primary syphilis. See Diagnosis below.
Approximately half (50 percent) of the infected individuals will develop enlargements of the inguinal lymph nodes. The inguinal lymph nodes are located in the fold between the leg and the lower abdomen and can become tender, enlarged and matted together, forming an abscess (bubo) in the groin. The swollen lymph nodes and abscesses are often referred to as buboes.
CAUSES
Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Haemophilusducreyi, a Gram negative bacterium. The main symptoms is genital sores that rupture after a few days. The disease is found primarily in developing and third world countries. Only a few hundred cases a year are diagnosed in the United States. The majority of individuals in the U.S. diagnosed with chancroid have traveled outside the country to areas where the disease is known to occur frequently. Uncircumcised men are at a much higher risk than circumsized men for contracting chancroid from an infected partner. Chancroid is a risk factor for contracting the HIV virus.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Multiple sexual partners.
HIV infection.
PREVENTION MEASURES
Practice safe sex. Abstinence is the only safe sure prevention. However, safe sex practices are helpful in preventing the spread of chancroid.
Use a condom. Condoms provide very good protection from the spread of most sexually transmitted diseases when used properly and consistently.
Do not touch or have sexual contact with anyone that has open lesions.
Monogamous sexual relations with a known disease-free partner is the safest and most practical "safe sex" method.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Complete healing with appropriate treatment. However, some people may experience months of painful ulceration and draining. Antibiotic treatment usually results in rapid clearing of lesions with a minimal to small amount of scarring.
In some patients, the chancroid sores heal spontaneously.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Scarring.
Untreated or inadequately treated cases of chancroid may persist and secondary infection may develop.
Urethral fistulas.
Phimosis in uncircumcised males (scars on the foreskin of the penis).
Patients with chancroid should also be checked for syphilis, HIV, and genital herpes.
Patients with HIV may take much longer to heal.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnostic tests may include a culture of fluid from the lesions and laboratory blood studies and evaluating the ulcers and presence of swollen lymph nodes. There is no lab test for chancroid like there is for syphilis.
If it is a chancre sore, you can expect a diagnosis of syphilis. The sore itself is painless and will disappear on its own in three to eight weeks but if untreated, the underlying syphilis infection will remain to ravage the body in later years. Of the two kinds of sores, this is the more insidious one: easy to ignore, yet ultimately life-threatening.
Chancroid, on the other hand, is much more likely to send you to your health care provider in a hurry. The sores are painful, tend to merge into large patches of damaged tissue, and are often accompanied by an infected abscess in the groin. If left untreated, they can spread to new locations; and they provide an ideal entryway for HIV, the cause of AIDS.
Sexual partners should be examined also.
TREATMENT
Treatment is with antibiotic medications including azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin. Large buboes in the lymph nodes may require needle aspiration or local surgery.
Warm sitz baths may help ease any pain or discomfort. Sit in a bathtub with warm water 8 to 10 inches deep for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times a day.
MoonDragon's Health Therapy - Sitzbath
Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are often present and will need to be treated.
Additional information available from: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Hotline
(800)227-8922.
MEDICATION
An antibiotic medication will be prescribed. The treatment regimen may consist of a single dose or treatment for a week depending upon the medication used.
ACTIVITY
Avoid sexual activity until healing is complete.
DIET
No special diet. However, a good nutritionally sound diet will aid in tissue repair and strengthening the immune system.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Astragalus protects the immune system.
Herbal Remedies: Astragalus Root, Nature's Way, 470 mg, 180 VCaps
Butchers Broom shrinks swollen lymph nodes.
Herbal Remedies: Butchers Broom Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Acidophilus is effective in maintaining "good" bacteria in the body during antibiotic use.
Herbal Remedies: Acidophilus Supplement Powder, Non-Dairy, 3 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Acidophilus, 3 Billion, NOW Foods, 90 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Lactobacillus Acidophilus Supplement, Non-Dairy, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Kosher Liquid, All Natural, Vegetarian Medium, Lactose Free, Apple Strawberry Flavor, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Kyo-Dophilus, Wakunaga Kyolic, 180 Caps
VENEREAL DISEASE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Supplements and products for venereal diseases (VD) (From Venus, Goddess of love in Roman mythology), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that are passed on during sexual intercourse or other intimate contact with the sex organs. The two most common types of STDs are gonorrhea and syphilis. However there are many other STDs. They include chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinal, genital herpes, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, genital worts, AIDS., See specific sexually transmitted disease for specific descriptions and treatments.
Astragalus Root, Nature's Way, 470 mg, 180 VCaps
Astragalus root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Astragalus is an important herb in Chinese medicine and is commonly included in Chinese cuisine.Butchers Broom, 2 fl. oz.
Butchers Broom is a laxative and diuretic and it is also used to improve circulation problems, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, and blood clots.Clove Oil (Eugenia Caryophyllata), 100% Pure Essential Oil, NOW Foods, 1 fl. oz.
Clove oil, although primarily used in aromatherapy, can be used externally or internally for various uses.Clove Powder (Caryophyllus Aromaticus), 4 oz. Bulk
Today in America Clove is used to treat worms, viruses, candida, and various bacterial and protozoan infections, but is most commonly used externally to treat toothache and mouth and throat inflammation and to slow macular degeneration.Cloves, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Cloves are used against parasites, flatulence, and nausea. Eating cloves is considered to be an aphrodisiac. Use as a dietary supplement or put directly on tooth for a toothache. Contains only freshly ground clove.Cure For HIV & AIDS, By Hulda Clark, Ph.D., N.D.
This book posits that the human intestinal fluke, a parasite, is the source of the HIV virus. Dr. Clark provides exact instructions for their cure, documented with 70 case histories.Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Powder, 8 oz.
This Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is safe and nontoxic and destroys intestinal parasites physically by injuring them.Grapefruit Seed Extract, By Louise Tenney, M.H.
Used for everything from the common cold to ringworm, grapefruit seed extract could represent a viable alternative to antibiotics and other medicines.Hulda Clark's Parasite Cleansing Protocol, 20 Day Kit, Parasite Cleansing Program With Black Walnut Green-Hull, 300 mg, 50 Caps
This Parasite Cleansing Kit, Hulda Clark's Parasite Cleanse Protocol, is a complete kit for the natural removal of Parasites from the body within 20 days.Hulda Clark's Parasite Cleansing Protocol, 20 Day Kit, Parasite Cleansing Program With Black Walnut Green-Hull Tincture, 1 fl. oz.
This is a complete Parasite Removal kit with Black Walnut Green Hull Tincture, Wormwood Capsules, Clove Capsules and a Complete Guide on Parasite Removal for Adult, Children and Pet Program.Neem Detoxification, Banyan Botanicals, 90 Tabs
Neem has traditionally been used to purify the blood, cleanse the liver and support the immune system. It is also commonly used for a variety of skin irritations and inflammations, and to support healthy blood glucose levels.Neem Oil, Pure Cold-Pressed Seed, Solvent Free, 1 oz.
Neem works as an effective insecticide against wool moths, ants, termites, fleas and sand fleas, as well as flying mosquitoes and their larvae. It is considered completely non toxic to humans, pets and livestock.Nutribiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract Plus, 125 mg, 90 Caps
NutriBiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract Plus Capsules contain 125 mg of grapefruit seed extract, equivalent to 12-15 drops of NutriBiotic GSE liquid concentrate, combined with the extracts of echinacea and artemisia annua.Olive Leaf Extract, By, Dr. Morton Walker
Olive leaf extract has vast healing powers that have been found to eliminate the viruses, fungi, bacteria and other parasites that cause disease.Parasite Menace, By Dr. Skye Weintraub, N.D.
This book tells which are the most common parasites and how to prevent, treat and eliminate parasitic infection.Parasites: The Enemy Within, By Rev. Hanna Kroeger, MsD
This Book Addresses the problem of parasites with the whole person in mind. Includes some forms of detoxification and nutritional rebuilding.Parastroy 2-Part Natural Parasite Clease, Includes 2 Free CD's, Nature's Secret, 180 Caps
Formulated from successful clinical experience, Parastroy Parasite Cleanse is a two-part program that supports the body's immune system, and creates an environment that is unfriendly to parasites.Pau D'Arco Bark Powder (Tabebuia Impetiginosa), 4 oz. Bulk
Pau d'arco bark is a rich source of iron, which contributes to the elimination of wastes from the body and the assimilation of nutrients.Samento Liquid Extract, Uncaria Tomentosa, 0.5% POA, 1 fl. oz.
Samento Uncaria Tomentosa is a Cat's Claw herb that may be beneficial in supporting the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions. Immune disorders may be the cause for various conditions such as cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, all forms of herpes, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders and HIV infection.Samento, Uncaria Tomentosa, Extra Strength, 100 Times More Effective Than Regular Cat's Claw!, 0.5% POA, 600 mg, 30 Caps
Samento is beneficial in supporting the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions; these include but are not limited to cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, all forms of herpes, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders and HIV infection.Scabies & Parasites Formula Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
The Scabies and Parasites Tincture can be used for both internal and external use to help rid the body of parasites, scabies, and ringworm.Shea Butter: The Nourishing Properties of Africa's Best-Kept Natural Beauty Secret, By W.G. Goreja
Shea has been part of Africa's ancient healing systems for many thousands of years to control parasites among many other health applications; better yet, shea is completely natural.The Cure For All Diseases, Book By Dr. Hulda Regehr Clark
No diabetes, no high blood pressure, no cancer, no HIV/AIDS, no migraines, no lupus and so on! Not a single disease is left unconquerable with this new understanding!TheraClear Anti Parasite Formula, 120 Caps
A regular natural detoxification program including TheraClear Anti Parasite Formula and a colon cleanser to promote proper elimination has been recommended by various naturopaths.Vidanga Fruit Powder, Certified Organic, Banyan Botanicals, 1/2 lb.
Certified Organic Vidanga Fruit Powder (Embelia Ribes) Considered one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for eliminating intestinal worms and other parasites.Wild Oregano Oil, California Natural, 1 oz.
Oregano Oil is known as one nature's most powerful anti-fungal and anti-viral herbs. Its natural anti-septic properties make it excellent for killing off parasites and maintaining a healthy immune system.Wild Oregano Oil, California Natural, 510 mg, 90 Caps
Oregano Oil is known as one nature's most powerful anti-fungal and anti-viral herbs. Its natural anti-septic properties make it excellent for killing off parasites and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Herbal Remedies: Venereal Disease Supplements & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have any of the following occurs:
- You or your sexual partner has signs and symptoms of chancroid or have had sexual contact with a person known to have any STD, or if you have engaged in high-risk sexual practices.
- Symptoms worsen after treatment is started.
- New or unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may cause side effects.
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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