Here’s Exactly What a Monkeypox Rash Looks Like, According to Dermatologists

The recent outbreak of monkeypox has made many headlines for the painful rash it causes. And with those headlines comes a lot of confusion and curiosity about how a monkeypox rash typically appears.

“In previous monkeypox outbreaks, symptoms began with fever and often flu-like symptoms, and was followed by a rash,” Dr. Hedley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City. “The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to many areas of the body, and people usually develop between 10 and 150 monkeypox.”

However, in the current monkeypox outbreak, the signs and symptoms are slightly different.

“Affected people may not develop fever or flu-like symptoms, and it is more common to have fewer bumps on their skin,” Dr. King says. “People may only have one or two bumps.”

connects Susan Masik, MD, “Like other chickenpox infections of the skin, skin inclusions have a natural growth, starting with a papule, or bump on the skin,” says a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. It then appears as a blister or pimple, which then becomes a scab, and eventually heals over the course of two to three weeks.”

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Monkeypox

What does a monkeypox rash look like?

According to Dr. King, the rash can start in the groin, genital area (penis, testicles, labia and vagina) or around the anus — and it may not spread. In particular, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that the rash can also appear on other areas such as the arms, legs, chest, face, or mouth.

“But even if there are only a few bumps, they can still be very painful,” says Dr. King. “The bumps can look like blisters, pus-filled bumps, or open sores.”

Dr. Masik adds that these mucosal lesions are “small, painful ulcerations on the mucous membrane, sometimes whitish or reddish in color but usually painful with swelling.”

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However, she adds that bumps can occur at different stages of development — bump, blister/pimple, scab/scab, then slow healing with occasional scarring or discoloration — and won’t all appear at the same time, And not all crust can be finished at the same time.

“The rash will often increase in intensity and there will be an increase in the number of skin lesions with worsening symptoms of pain/discomfort/swelling,” Dr. says Messick.

She also notes that skin lesions can occur singly or in groups, be localized—in one body area—or more generalized/widespread, and it usually runs its course within three to four weeks.

RELATED: Do You Need the Monkeypox Vaccine?

What to do if you think you have monkeypox?

If you suspect you may have monkeypox, the CDC recommends that you seek medical care immediately if you develop a new, unexplained skin rash or sore on any part of the body.

RELATED: What Are the First Symptoms of Monkeypox?

“This could be your dermatologist, your primary care doctor, or an urgent care center,” says Dr. King. “If monkeypox is suspected, a skin lesion will be cleaned, and the swab will be sent to a laboratory to conduct a PCR test for monkeypox. If you are seen by a non-dermatologist and require further diagnosis or management support, you may be referred to a dermatologist.”

Once you’re tested and you’ve been confirmed with monkeypox, Dr. Masik says you can still be contagious for 21 days or longer.

Next: Everything you need to know about the Novavax COVID Vaccine

sources say

• Dr. Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.

• Susan Masik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.