Monkeypox is a viral infection that has taken the world by storm and is spreading rapidly across many countries. World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a public health emergency asking people to remain cautious.
Monkeypox can spread via direct contact with an infected person or by touching objects or fabrics used by someone infected with the virus. It can also spread via respiratory droplets.
Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, body ache, and rashes and lesions on the skin, palms, and genitals. These symptoms have sparked concerns among people developing any rashes on their skin. This article gives you some pointers to differentiate monkeypox rash from other rashes and lesions.
Duration of the rash
As per CDC, monkeypox symptoms start to reveal within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Rashes begin to develop 1-4 days after the onset of fever. Other forms of rashes develop within minutes of exposure and can last two to four weeks.
Monkeypox rash has distinctive stages
Monkeypox’s rash goes through four distinctive stages: macular, papular, vesicular, and pustular before it starts peeling.
Macules are flat lesions that appear on the face and then spread to other body parts. Papules are firm and swollen and appear by day three. Vesicles occur by day four or five and are defined by bumps filled with clear fluid. Pustules are the final stage of the rash and are characterised by lesions filled with yellowish pus.
By day 14, as the viral infection subsides, rashes will likely become scabs and fall off.
Rashes caused by allergic reactions
Several allergic reactions may cause rashes on the skin, which vary in shape and size depending on the severity of the infection. For example, contact dermatitis that has no relation to monkeypox can cause itchy, painful skin rashes.
Consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis
Apart from skin rashes or lesions, there are several other characteristic symptoms of monkeypox. Fever, chills, body ache, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes are primary symptoms.
If you are experiencing all of these accompanied by the rash, visit a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis.
Read More:- Monkeypox A.2 strain detected in India: All you need to know – (asianatimes.com)
