The rash is a visible symptom of thempox virus, which is spreading through the United States.
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These stages include:
Which Body Parts Are Affected?
Verywell Health / Ellen Lindner
The images below show how lesions may appear on the chest and face.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Symptoms of Mpox
If you have mpox, you may have all or only a few symptoms.
UK Health Security Agency / CDC
You Wont Be Able to Pop Your Initial Bumps
A new mpox bump isnt poppable at first.
Ko doesnt recommend that people scratch at new bumps and blisters.
But a gentle scratch testmayoffer some clarity if youre not sure whether or not the rash is from mpox.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The CDC describes these mpox lesions as rubbery and deep-seated.
What Color Are Mpox Lesions?
Mpox lesions may vary in color based on a persons skin tone or stage of the virus.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
They can be pretty inconspicuous to the untrained eye, Ko added.
Some of them could be pea sized.
But on average, most seem to be about the size of a grain of rice or smaller.
These small bumps can become quite painful over time.
Patients report pain differently, but any opening in the skin can definitely be sore, Zheng says.
As lesions start to heal, they tend to become itchy.
This can take about five to seven days from when the lesions initially appeared.
This central depression is technically called an umbilication, Zheng said.
Basically, its having a little divot.
Zheng added the timing of this indentation can vary, and it might not happen to everyone.
Diagnostic testing is needed to tell them apart.
The stages of infection are also similar.
Prognosis of Mpox
Generally, the prognosis of mpox is favorable for people with intact immune systems.
These people can manage with supportive care and pain control.
The total duration of an mpox illness is usually two to four weeks.
Zheng recommends people see whichever provider is most accessible to them.
In the meantime, considering isolating yourself and keeping your rash clean and covered.
“Keep the areas moist and clean to help your skin heal and prevent infection.”
Summary
Mpox is a contagious viral disease and may look like several other illnesses.
The mpox rash follows several stages.
Lesions start out small and flat, but eventually grow and fill with fluid.
Towards the end, they may develop an indent in the middle, before they scab over.
Mpox usually lasts about two to four weeks in people with healthy immune systems.
See a healthcare provider if you notice a rash after your exposure.
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