In simple words: Yaws is a skin infection that starts as a painless sore called the “mother yaw.” This sore can look like a raspberry and is usually found on the legs or feet. It's full of bacteria, making it easy to spread to others, especially children.

Initial lesions of yaws, also known as the "mother yaw." This is the initial stage of the disease and presents as a single or multiple papules that may ulcerate. The lesions are typically found on the legs or feet, and are highly infectious.

Example 1: A 7-year-old child from a tropical region presents with a large, raspberry-like sore on their leg. Microscopic examination reveals spirochetes consistent with Treponema pallidum pertenue., A group of children living in a rural area with poor sanitation develop similar skin lesions. One child is diagnosed with yaws, leading to an investigation and treatment of the others., A traveler returning from a tropical country develops a persistent skin ulcer. After ruling out other infections, yaws is diagnosed based on travel history and laboratory findings.

Documentation should include the location and description of the lesion(s), presence of regional lymphadenopathy, relevant travel history, and laboratory results (dark-field microscopy or serology). Photos of the lesion can be helpful.

** Yaws is a treponemal disease related to syphilis but is not sexually transmitted. It is spread through direct contact with infectious lesions.