Chancroid Treatment

Treatment usually involves a single dose of antibiotics, given as a tablet or injection depending on your clinical needs. We also provide follow-up advice and support with partner notification to help prevent reinfection.

Yes. Recent sexual partners should be informed so they can be assessed and treated where appropriate, even if they have no symptoms.

This helps prevent reinfection and reduces the spread of the infection. You should avoid sexual contact until you and your partners have completed treatment and any sores have fully healed.

Chancroid treatment is highly effective when the recommended antibiotics are taken as prescribed. Most people notice a significant improvement within a few days.

Prompt treatment, completing the medication, and ensuring partners are treated all help maximise the chance of a full recovery.

Most people tolerate treatment well. Mild side effects may include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea, headache, or dizziness.

If treatment is given by injection, temporary soreness or redness at the injection site is common. Seek medical advice immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or swelling.

Treatment during pregnancy uses antibiotics that are considered safe for both the mother and baby.

Azithromycin or ceftriaxone are commonly recommended, while some antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, are generally avoided. Follow-up is important to confirm the infection has cleared.

No. Chancroid requires prescription antibiotics and cannot be cured with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.

Keeping the area clean and dry may help relieve discomfort, but medical assessment and treatment are essential to clear the infection and prevent complications.

Most people notice less pain and discomfort within two to three days of starting antibiotics.

The sores usually heal within one to two weeks, although larger ulcers may take longer. Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete, the sores have fully healed, and your clinician has advised it is safe to resume sexual activity.

Menopause does not reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, but thinner and drier genital tissues may take longer to heal.

Recovery may also be slower if you have another infection or a condition that affects your immune system. Taking the medication exactly as prescribed is important for successful treatment.

If your sores, pain, or swelling have not improved after treatment, you should arrange a follow-up assessment.

Further testing may be needed to confirm the infection has cleared or to check for other conditions with similar symptoms, such as herpes or syphilis. Avoid sexual contact until you have been reviewed.

Yes, although it is uncommon. If symptoms do not improve within three to seven days, you should seek further medical advice.

A follow-up examination and additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other infections, or prescribe an alternative antibiotic if necessary.

A follow-up visit may be recommended, particularly if symptoms persist or healing is slower than expected, to check that the infection has responded to treatment and that any sores are healing properly.

This is especially important if symptoms persist, worsen, or new symptoms develop.

Yes. Recent sexual partners should be assessed and treated where appropriate, in line with your clinician's advice.

This helps prevent reinfection and reduces the spread of chancroid. Avoid sexual contact until everyone has completed treatment and any sores have fully healed.