Yaws
Alternative Names
Frambesia tropicaSymptoms
- Initial, single skin lesion that may grow slowly and have a raspberry-like appearance. It may also form an ulcer and is usually painless.
- Satellite lesions which may become large nodules/growths throughout the body and may have superficial erosions in secondary yaws.
- Fever may be present in secondary yaws.
- Bone pain/bone destruction; saber shins.
- Finger inflammation (dactylitis).
Exams and Tests
The diagnosis can be confirmed by examining a sample from a skin lesion under a special type of microscope (darkfield examination). There is no specific blood test for yaws, but because it is closely related to the bacterium that causes syphilis, the blood tests for syphilis may be positive in yaws as well.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.