The Basics of Monkeypox: What Does it Look Like?

Monkeypox is a rare, infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is similar to smallpox but less serious and spread in the same way. It has been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and the United States, and is most commonly associated with the African continent. People infected with monkeypox can experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. The most prominent and easily recognized symptom is a rash. Here we aim to answer the question: ‘What does monkeypox look like?’

Skin Rashes and Blisters

The most common symptom of monkeypox is the rash. Skin rashes and blisters usually begin in a few days after infection, first appearing on the face, hands and feet. It may eventually spread to other parts of the body, typically in a symmetrical pattern, one part of the body mirroring the other. The rash may develop into raised bumps or blisters, and can become itchy or scab. A rough, scabby rash typically appears around three to four weeks after the initial symptoms.

Other Monkeypox Symptoms

The initial symptoms of monkeypox differ from the skin rash. The virus may cause fever, headache, sudoresis (profuse sweating), muscle aches, exhaustion, dizziness, and swollen lymph nodes. In extreme cases, monkeypox can cause accidental pneumonia, meningitis, and encephalitis, resulting in long-term respiratory problems, and even death in some extreme cases.

Treatment for Monkeypox

If you suspect that you may have contracted monkeypox, it is important to seek medical help immediately. The virus can usually be treated effectively with antiviral medication, such as cidofovir or vaccinia immune globulin (VIG). These treatments can help to reduce the severity of the rash, lessen the chance for complications, and speed up the recovery process.

Conclusion

Monkeypox is a rare, infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, and most notably a skin rash that typically appears a few days after infection. Rashes can develop into blisters and become scabby, and may spread to other parts of the body. There are antiviral treatments that have been found to be successful in helping to reduce the severity of symptoms. If you suspect you have monkeypox, it is important to seek medical help right away.