Culturing H. ducreyi in a lab is difficult, so doctors begin by ruling out herpes and syphilis. If both tests are negative, additional screening may be necessary. Because chancroid is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can cure it. Most commonly, erythromycin is prescribed for seven days or ciprofloxacin for three days. Or you might take a single dose of azithromycin.
Ceftriaxone is another single-dose option, given as a pill or an injection.
The lesions and ulcers should heal within two weeks, although some slight scars may remain. Your doctor should reexamine you within three to seven days of your initial treatment, and your partner should be treated as well. You need to avoid sexual contact until the sores have completely healed, since the bacteria are present in any open sore and can be passed along. If you seek treatment, you'll be fine. If left untreated, the painful genital sores can last weeks or months.