- The skin is one of the organs most affected by monkeypox due to the appearance of rashes that present elevation, transparent liquid and, finally, scars.
- Mexico ranks fourth in Latin America with respect to the nations with the most infections.
- While globally more than 5,000 cases have been reported in at least 51 countries.
The Monkeypox continues to spread throughout the world and that is why one of the most frequently asked questions is about the damage it causes to the skin of patients. It is the most visible organ and for this reason the appearance of the disease is more easily appreciated.
Effects of the disease in Mexico
On the other hand, it is necessary to remember that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) places our country in fourth place in Latin America with the highest number of reported cases. While most are concentrated in three entities: Mexico City, Jalisco and State of Mexico.
Is viral disease, capable of being transmitted from animals to humans and from person to person. While the Monkeypox is characterized by the onset of fever, severe headache, muscle aches, back pain, lack of energy, swollen lymph nodes and, mainly, skin rashes.
Symptoms in patients
The characteristics of these lesions range from reddish spots, initially, to raised manifestations that ulcerate and leave a thick crust as they progress. Although they can appear on the face, upper and lower extremities, as well as the genitals, they have the ability to spread throughout the body.
“It is important to know that the causative virus has an incubation period of 10 to 12 days after contagion, which is carried out from one person to another by close contact with active rashes, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials, such as bedding”, explains Jatziri Chávez Bernal, director of the High Specialty Dermatological Center (CEDAE).
The skin lesions they usually appear one to five days after the patient starts with fever. Initially, these are well-defined spots of a few millimeters, which begin to bulge as the days go by and present clear liquid content.
These rashes are contagious and constant scratching can encourage their spread, as well as the scar formation. If the depth of the lesions is considerable, permanent marks can be produced even without any manipulation.
However, the severity of the marks depends largely on the healing process of each person. Other evidence so far is that dark-skinned patients may have lighter areas where the skin manifestations were.
The sick of monkey pox They should be treated by both infectologists and dermatologists. In addition, they are recommended to isolate themselves for a period of two to three weeks to prevent the spread of the virus. When they interact with other people, they must wear a mask without exception, as well as avoid close contact and, above all, sexual contact.