OVERVIEW
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Yaws is a tropical infection of the skin, bones and joints. Yaws is a chronic, relapsing infectious illness. It is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue.
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The disease begins with a round, hard swelling of the skin, 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter. The center may break open and form an ulcer.
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The disease most often starts as a single lesion that becomes slightly elevated, develops a crust that is shed, leaving a base that resembles the texture of a raspberry or strawberry.
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yaws is suspected in any child who has the characteristic clinical features and lives in an area where the disease is common.
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Treatment is normally by a single intramuscular injection of penicillin, or by a course of penicillin, erythromycin or tetracycline tablets.
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What is Yaws?
