Yaws is a skin condition that often is capable of affecting the bones in the body as well. This chronic condition mostly affects children fifteen years of age or younger. It is a problem that usually occurs in tropical areas like Africa, South East Asia, and South America. Yaw is a bacterial infection that has a lot in common with syphilis. It is a highly contagious infection that is often spread by personal contact with someone who is infected. Yaws can also spread through a scratch or bite from an infected person. While Yaws was thought to be completely wiped out, recent research shows the condition popping up in rural and poor parts of countries with tropical weather. If you are experiencing any symptoms that are associated with yaws, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Signs And Symptoms Of Yaws
- Lesions On The Hands And Face. There are four stages of yaws. One of the main symptoms that easily can be noticed are the small bumps that begin on the hands and face area. These lesions and bumps are not limited to these areas. They can also spread to the genital area. These bumps may be painless, but they can be very embarrassing. These bumps can also tend to leave behind light scars as they begin to heal. The ulcers appear as small bumps, but then become pus filled and painful. Even when the area is crusting over, it is still infectious to other people.
- Swollen Glands Near Lesions It is easy to spot yaws because the lympnodes that are located nearest to the bumps often swell and are painful to touch. The glands will stick prominently stick out and be tender.
- Loss Of Appetite. Those who are infected with yaws often feel sluggish, tired, and can also experience a lack of appetite as well. This is among the most common symptoms of yaws. The loss of appetite can lead to serious weight loss if not corrected.
- Thickening Of The Skin. The skin around the outbreak may also begin to become thicker, especially as the lesion heals. The thickness of the skin around the area of the lesion is permanent.
- Second Outbreak Of Lesions And Bumps. In the first stage of yaws, there is only one initial outbreak or bump, but as the condition enters the second and third stages, more bumps and lesions begin to appear on other parts of the body.
Your doctor can run two simple blood tests to find out whether or not you are suffering from yaws. One way to test for yaws is to take a sample of the fluid in the bump or lesion before it begins the crusting period. Once you and your doctor have confirmed that you do have yaws, you can decide what the best treatment options for your case are. The skin condition may take many months to recover from, but it yaws is a completely treatable condition. Talk to your doctor for more information.
References
- http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/yaws/en/
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001341.htm