According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), countries should respond to the monkeypox outbreak with the goal of preventing the virus from spreading from person to person, particularly within high-risk groups, including both men and women who have sex with men.
However, experts believe that concerns should not be limited to those at high risk. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, individuals who have had close contact with sources of infection can also contract monkeypox. Specifically, contaminated clothing, bedding, towels, or other items such as eating utensils can also be sources of transmission to others.
The disease presents specific symptoms on the skin, primarily rashes and blisters, but it can be mistaken for other types of skin conditions.
Experts have pointed out the specific characteristics of monkeypox on the skin.
Pustules with Red Surrounding
A characteristic manifestation of monkeypox is lesions resembling pimples. Initially, the patient will develop a skin rash. Subsequently, the rash progresses to pustules, blisters, and finally crusts over.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the rash can appear anywhere, including on the face and extremities. Dr. Christine Ko from the Dermatology Department at Yale University states that early-stage monkeypox lesions can resemble pustules with redness around them.
Additionally, patients may experience red rashes in the genital area or groin. The rash may also resemble “a raised bump under the skin, accompanied by redness.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox lasts from two to four weeks. Individuals can be infectious until the rash has completely healed and the body has formed new skin.
Rash Accompanied by Swollen Lymph Nodes
Another characteristic that distinguishes monkeypox from other viral diseases is the swelling of lymph nodes, which can be painful.
The lymph nodes become enlarged, often at the time the patient has a fever. The lymph nodes may swell a few days before the rash symptoms appear.
“The groin or genital area becomes swollen and red, accompanied by pain. These are the lymph nodes, which may be related to monkeypox, especially when the patient has additional symptoms of rectal pain,” Dr. Ko explains.
Warren Heymann, a professor of medicine and pediatrics and head of the Dermatology Department at Cooper Medical School, advises individuals to check for skin symptoms before engaging in sexual activity if they have had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
Pustules on the hand of a monkeypox patient. (Photo: Insider).
Initial Rash Appears in Multiple Areas
According to initial descriptions, many patients discover they have monkeypox from a rash in the groin area. However, experts warn that this is a virus that spreads systemically. Skin symptoms can manifest anywhere, including the eyes.
Dr. Ko notes that dermatologists are still researching the mechanisms of monkeypox expression on the skin, including various rashes and related symptoms. However, she is surprised at how quickly the blisters can spread.
“If you develop blisters, especially tense blisters or pustules that spread all over your body, seek medical attention as you may have contracted monkeypox,” she advises.
Symptoms Easily Confused with Monkeypox
Experts have identified several conditions that can be easily confused with monkeypox.
First is impetigo. This is a bacterial skin infection characterized by crusted blisters. Next is a fungal infection, which can cause the skin to blister. Fungal infections often lead to scaly pink rashes and sometimes cause blistering.
Syphilis can also be confused with monkeypox, as the rashes can have a similar appearance.
Other viral diseases such as herpes, varicella (chickenpox), and hand-foot-and-mouth disease are common conditions that present rashes similar to monkeypox.
