Imagine a tiny bump on your leg turning into something that eats your skin and bends your bones. Sounds scary, right? That’s Yaws, a strange disease that looks small initially but can cause big problems if left untreated. It mostly affects children under 15 years of age and is common in tropical regions with poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions.
Yaws disease is not caused by dirty water or food. It spreads when a healthy person touches the sore or skin of someone with Yaws.
The wild part? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 13 nations reported 123,866 instances in 2021, while nine countries confirmed 1102 cases. The good news? It is not a deadly disease. It can be cured easily if treated early with medicine. In this blog, we will learn what Yaws is, the causes of yaws, how it spreads, what the symptoms are, and how to treat and prevent it.
What is Yaws Disease?
Yaws is a skin disease. Yaws disease is caused by a germ (bacteria) called Treponema pallidum pertenue. This germ is similar to the one that causes syphilis, but Yaws is not a sexually transmitted disease.
Yaws mostly affects the skin, bones, and joints. If it is not treated early, it can cause serious skin sores and bone pain (in advanced stages). It is not a life-threatening disease, but it can be painful and uncomfortable.
There are mainly three types of yaws: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each type shows different stages of skin and bone problems if not treated early.
Who Gets Yaws?
Yaws mostly happens to children who live in hot, rainy places. It spreads easily when kids play barefoot or share things like towels or clothes. Yaws disease mainly affects:
- Children under 15 years old
- People living in tropical areas like Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America
- Families living in poor sanitation, overcrowded homes
- People without access to clean water and good hygiene
Children get it more because they often play barefoot and may touch others who have open sores.
How Does Yaws Spread?
Yaws spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact. This means if someone touches the open sore of a person with Yaws, they can get infected.
It does not spread through food, water, or the air. It also does not spread through sexual contact.
Some ways Yaws can spread:
- Touching someone’s sore while playing
- Using the same towel or cloth
- Living in crowded homes with poor hygiene
Signs and Symptoms of Different Stages of Yaws Disease
Yaws do not just show up all at once; they start small and change over time. At first, it may look like just a little sore, but if left untreated, it can slowly damage the skin, bones, and more. Yaws happens in 3 stages, and each stage has different symptoms of yaws.
1. First Stage (Early Yaws)
- A small bump appears on the skin.
- This bump becomes a sore or ulcer.
- It may look yellow, wet, or crusty.
- The sore is painless but very infectious.
- The sore heals after a few weeks, but the germ stays in the body.
2. (Late Yaws)
- New sores appear on the skin and body.
- The patient may feel tired.
- Pain in bones and joints may begin.
- Fingers, toes, and nose may become swollen.
- Some sores may bleed.
3. Third Stage (Very Late Yaws)
- If not treated, Yaws can damage bones and joints.
- Yaws disease symptoms in this stage include the skin becoming thick and hard.
- Legs and nose may become misshapen.
- This stage is rare, but it can cause permanent problems.
How is Yaws Diagnosed?
Doctors don’t need big machines to find out if someone has yaws infection. A simple check of the skin and a quick blood test can usually give the answer. A doctor can usually tell if someone has Yaws just by looking at the skin sores.
In some cases, the doctor may:
- Take a blood test
- Use a microscope to check skin samples
- Ask about recent travel or exposure
Treatment for Yaws Disease
The best thing about Yaws is that it is easy to treat. Yaws can be treated easily with just one dose of antibiotics. The earlier the treatment starts, the faster the sores and skin improve.
- Doctors usually give a single injection of benzathine penicillin. This shot kills the germ.
- If someone cannot take penicillin, they may be given azithromycin as a tablet.
Important:
Even if the sores heal independently, the disease can still be inside the body. So, it is very important to get full treatment.
Prevention of Yaws Disease
Stopping yaws is easier than you think! With good hygiene, quick treatment, and community care, this disease can be kept far away.
Here are some ways to stop Yaws from spreading:
- Treat infected people quickly.
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Wash your hands and feet with soap.
- Avoid touching the open sores of others.
- Do not share towels or clothes.
- Wear slippers or shoes while playing outside.
Is Yaws Still a Problem Today?
Yes, in some places. But the number of cases is going down.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is working to eliminate Yaws from the world. With better hygiene, medicine, and health education, Yaws can be stopped completely.
In 2012, the WHO started a plan called the “Morges Strategy”, where they gave medicine to all people in affected villages. This has helped reduce Yaws cases in many countries.
Final Thoughts
Yaws is not a dangerous disease, but it can cause a lot of pain and skin problems if not treated. However, it is curable with the right medication. If you live in or travel to a tropical area and see a strange sore on your skin, go to the doctor quickly. Early treatment means fast recovery. Let’s spread awareness, not infection and help build a world without Yaws!
