CHANCROID Meaning and
Definition
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Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It is characterized by the development of painful, open sores or ulcers on the genital area. Chancroid is commonly found in regions with low socioeconomic status and poor hygiene practices.
The initial symptoms of chancroid include the appearance of one or more small, red bumps or papules that usually progress into soft and painful ulcers. These ulcers can vary in size and may have irregular borders. They often contain a gray or yellowish pus-like fluid and can bleed easily upon touch. In males, the sores usually occur on the foreskin, tip of the penis, or on the shaft, while in females, they can manifest on the outer labia, inner thighs, or vaginal walls. The ulcers are highly contagious, and sharing personal items or engaging in sexual contact with an infected individual can facilitate its transmission.
Diagnosis of chancroid is usually made through a physical examination, inspection of the sores, and taking a sample of the pus for laboratory testing. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or ceftriaxone, to eliminate the infection. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
If left untreated, chancroid can lead to complications such as enlargement of nearby lymph nodes, which may form abscesses and require drainage. Additionally, it increases the risk of acquiring or transmitting other STIs, including HIV. To prevent chancroid, practicing safe sexual behaviors, using barrier methods like condoms, and maintaining proper hygiene are fundamental.
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Soft or simple chancre; an infectious venereal ulcer, developing upon an inflamed edematous base from a pustule formed from a primary papule.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHANCROID
- xhancroid
- vhancroid
- fhancroid
- dhancroid
- cgancroid
- cbancroid
- cnancroid
- cjancroid
- cuancroid
- cyancroid
- chzncroid
- chsncroid
- chwncroid
- chqncroid
- chabcroid
- chamcroid
- chajcroid
- chahcroid
- chanxroid
Etymology of CHANCROID
The word "chancroid" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "khanē" (meaning "ulcer" or "cancer") and "eirōdos" (meaning "I rush in"). The Greek word "khanē" was commonly used to describe a type of ulcer, while "eirōdos" suggests the rapid onset and progression of the condition. The term was coined in the late 19th century to specifically refer to a sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful, open sores or ulcers in the genital area.
Similar spelling words for CHANCROID
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