Yaws (Frambesia tropica, Thymosis, Polypapilloma tropicum, Parangi, Bouba, Frambosie, Pian) | Medtick
Medtick

Yaws (Frambesia tropica, Thymosis, Polypapilloma tropicum, Parangi, Bouba, Frambosie, Pian)

What is it?

A long term bacterial skin infection that infects children under 15 years of age and that can cause bone disorder if untreated.

  • It is spread from person to person when they come in contact with infected skin ulcers and the bacterial enters the skin if one has broken skin i.e. a scratch.
    It takes 3- 4 weeks from being infected to get the first symptoms.

Contagious

It is contagious during active skin lesion stages, so precautions are based on treatment and healing rather than time alone. Urgent treatment is required and people are generally considered much less infectious within about 24–48 hours of treatment and when once skin lesions start healing and drying , effective wound management and covering is essential, otherwise once can spread this condition.

Diagnosis tests

  • Clinical examination
  • Dark-field microscopy
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
  • Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)
  • Non-treponemal tests (RPR, VDRL)
  • Treponemal tests (TPHA, TPPA, FTA-ABS)
  • Histopathology (skin biopsy)

 

It mainly occurs in tropical, rural and overcrowded areas:

    •  Africa
    • Southeast Asia
    • South America
    • Pacific islands
    • Indonesia
    • Solomon Islands

Cause

  • Bacteria: Treponema pallidum pertenue

Symptoms

Initial symptoms:

  • New rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst (A papule occurs and grows, ulcerated and bursts open), and then area around the skin becomes swollen, sore and tender?

Skin ulcer heals then disappears after six months and then one gets:

  • Papules appear all over body?

Skin ulcer heals then disappears after 3- 6 months and then 10% get the following symptoms:

  • Skin infection, papules which ulcerated?
  • Joint pains and stiffness (bone pain and stiffness mainly face, jaw and legs pain and swelling and disfigurement)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical emergency Condition

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Yaws (Frambesia tropica, Thymosis, Polypapilloma tropicum, Parangi, Bouba, Frambosie, Pian) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • Medscape (Professional level)

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • EveryDay Health

    Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

  • Better health - NHS

    Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.

    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!

Medtick

© Medtick - 2026. All Rights Reserved.