What should I do to take care of myself while I have Mpox?
Use gauze or bandages to cover the rash to limit spread to others and to the environment.
Don’t lance (pop) or scratch lesions from the rash. This does not speed up recovery and can spread the virus to other parts of the body, increase the chance of spreading the virus to others, and possibly cause the open lesions to become infected by bacteria.
Do not shave the area with the rash until the scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed. Shaving can spread the virus and cause more lesions.
Keep skin lesions/rash clean and dry when not showering or bathing.
Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after direct contact with the rash.
If you have rash on your hands, be careful when washing or using sanitizer so as not to irritate the rash.
If you have rash on your hands, wear gloves that are non-irritating when handling common objects or touching surfaces in shared spaces. If you can, use disposable gloves that can be discarded after each use (e.g., latex, polyurethane, or nitrile gloves). Reusable gloves should be washed with soap and water between use.
Wear a well-fitting mask around other people until the rash and all other symptoms have resolved.
Eat healthy and get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal.
