Monkeypox lesions are painful and itchy
Monkeypox caused by the monkeypox virus is currently spreading fast across countries, where it does not even have a history of outbreak. The common symptoms of monkeypox infection are fever, rashes and lesions along with other conditions like intense headache, back pain, muscle ache and lack of energy.
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Distinctive features of monkeypox lesions
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), the skin eruption usually begins within 1-3 days of the appearance of the fever. The rashes are seen in the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and genitalia. Rashes can also be seen in the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes.
Stage 1, Macules: These are the lesions with a flat base
Stage 2, Papules: At this stage the lesions get firm and look a bit swollen and bigger in size.
Stage 3, Vesicles: This is where the lesions are filled. Usually one can see clear fluid inside the lesions
Stage 4, Pustules: This is just before when the lesion dries up to form crust. At this stage, the lesions have yellowish fluid in them.
The number of lesions can vary from individual to individual.
At which stage is the monkeypox infection highly contagious?
The stage where the lesions and rashes are active on the skin the patient is highly contagious, experts have warned. This period can last upto 2 weeks as well; in some cases it can go beyond that.
"A person is considered infectious from the onset of first clinical manifestations till all skin lesions have dried off. This can take up to 3 weeks," says Dr Maharshi Desai, Senior critical care specialist, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad.
How to take care of monkeypox lesions?
It is very important to take care of monkeypox lesions. The rashes and the lesions can be very painful and itchy and depending on the location of their origin, one should be very careful about them. The patient should only use doctor recommended medications to soothe the lesions and be under strictest hygiene measures till they crust off completely from the normal active skin.
On the contagious nature of the lesions, Dr Desai says, "patients need to be in strict isolation," and has advised that health care staff should wear PPE kit.
"Skin lesions generally heal by themselves. Avoid topical or systemic steroids for skin lesions. For skin irritation, one can use gentle cleanser or moisturizer and for pain relief the patient can take paracetamol," he suggests and warns not to pick the lesions.
"For secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may be required," he adds.
Skin lesions should be covered to the best extent possible (e.g. long sleeves, long pants) to minimize risk of contact with others, reads the guidelines released by the Union Health Ministry. The guideline also suggests cleaning the rashes with simple antiseptic and recommends Mupironic Acid/Fucidin. It also recommends sitz bath for genital ulcers and warm saline gargles/ oral topical anti-inflammatory gel for oral ulcers which are commonly seen in this infection.
Hygiene is of prime importance
In response to the fact that the monkeypox lesions are extremely itchy, Dr. Rajinder Kumar Singal, Senior Director & HOD-Internal Medicine, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital says, monkeypox patients should refrain from scratching their skin and take care of their rash by washing their hands both before and after coming in contact with lesions and by keeping exposed skin dry.
Dr Singal advises to stay away from animals that might have the virus, especially dead animals in areas where monkeypox is common and adds that even if one has to be close to animals, in that case they should always wash their hands with soap and water and recommends using protective gear like masks, safety goggles or glasses, and gloves if one can’t avoid contact.
How is monkeypox transmitted?
Monkeypox is transmitted through direct contact with the infected person. Any contact with an infected person like touching, hugging, talking, coughing, sneezing can infect a healthy individual with the virus. Even contact with the bedding and clothing of the infected person can infect the healthy individual.
Experts recommend complete isolation for monkeypox patients till the incubation period of the virus.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
The following are the distinct symptoms of a monkeypox infection:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Rashes, which will initially look like pimples and then grow in size, filled with fluids before healing
Current status of monkeypox
Monkeypox has been declared a global health emergency by the WHO. In view of the rising cases of the infection worldwide and after more than 5 cases and one death came to the fore, the union health ministry formed a task force to monitor the situation of the infection in the country. The task force was formed on August 2, Dr V K Paul from Niti Aayog, who spearheaded the policy framework for COVID pandemic management is one of the members of the task force along with Rajesh Bhushan and other senior health officials.