Yaws

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Yaws

Yaws is a bacterial infection that causes lumps and sores on the skin of the hands, face, feet, and groin. It is common in tropical areas of the world and usually affects children younger than age 15.

Yaws is caused when the bacteria treponema pertenue enter a cut or scrape in the skin and form a sore. The glands around the sore swell but are not usually painful. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weakness, and tiredness. If it is not treated the infection will spread, cause skin sores, and destroy bones and joints.

Yaws is diagnosed with a blood test. Because the bacteria that causes yaws is similar to the bacteria that causes syphilis, someone who has yaws may test positive for syphilis. Yaws is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Yaws is treated and easily cured with antibiotics.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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