Monkeypox, which has been spreading in Switzerland since May 2022, is known to cause pimples to appear on the body when infected. Despite popular belief, they do not appear systematically. Here are some explanations.
How to recognise monkeypox spots
The main symptoms of the disease are a high fever, headaches and the appearance of pimples on the body. The image of a body covered in pimples is wrongly associated with monkeypox. However, most of the time the rash is inconspicuous or even non-existent. This can complicate the diagnosis.
The pimples generally appear around the genital area. What’s more, they can be confused with other illnesses, for example:
- Chickenpox
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- An allergic reaction
As the epidemic grows, it’s very important to contact your doctor directly if you notice any suspicious spots on your body. He/she will be able to guide you towards a diagnosis.
Image source: UK Health Security Agency (Monkeypox: background information – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox)
Do rashes heal easily?
The good news is that monkeypox pimples generally disappear spontaneously. However, it may take a few weeks for them to heal, as they go through different stages:
- The appearance of vesicles. This is the first stage.
- The vesicles then develop into pustules.
- The final stage is the formation of scabs
- All the scabs fall off, signalling complete recovery from the disease.
In Switzerland, you can also get vaccinated. The vaccine against monkeypox is available in the concerned cantons.
