In 50 percent of untreated cases, the chancroid bacteria infect the lymph nodes in the groin. Symptoms usually appear four to seven days after exposure. An individual remains infectious as long as there are open sores present on the body. The infection is spread through sexual contact with open or runny sores of infected people. The bacteria are more likely to invade the sexual organs at the site of a small cut or scratch.
Antibiotics are effective in treating the disease, with the sores healing in about two weeks.
Not having sex is the only sure way to avoid getting chancroid. Otherwise, limiting the number of one's sexual partners reduces the chance of being exposed. If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact until you have visited a doctor, hospital or STD clinic. If you are infected, notify your sex partners immediately so they can be tested and treated.