There is a lot of important discussion online about how stigmatized the response to monkeypox outbreaks is, in part because the disease can cause noticeable skin symptoms — something chronic skin disease sufferers know all too well .
On Twitter, people with eczema, a common skin condition affecting about 7% of U.S. adults, expressed concern about their high risk and prevalence of monkeypox complications Lack of vaccine access is a shared concern.
Right now, the monkeypox outbreak is overwhelmingly affecting the LGBTQ+ community — more specifically, men who have sex with men — but that doesn’t mean Just because some of them don’t have eczema, it doesn’t mean that others at high risk for complications, including anyone with eczema or immunocompromised, should be Excluded from the public health response as the outbreak continues.
So, what’s the deal here? What are the potential effects of monkeypox on people with eczema? In the future, experts will break down what we know so far.
First, some background on monkeypox and eczema as separate conditions.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), eczema, medically known as atopic dermatitis, is an umbrella term for a group of skin conditions that commonly cause dry skin , itching, inflammation and irritation. Eczema is not contagious, and the cause of the condition is not fully understood, although experts believe a genetic and immune system-related link may be involved. Eczema can cause rashes on various areas of the skin, as well as small raised bumps that some people may ooze or crust over.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This virus is related to the smallpox virus, which also causes smallpox. Monkeypox usually presents with a noticeable rash that can be painful, as well as flu-like symptoms. The disease is contagious. In the current epidemic, it is mainly transmitted through close and long-term skin contact, including direct contact with monkeypox lesions, scabs, and disease prevention. Or from bodily fluids of people infected with the virus, the control center said. However, the virus has historically been known to spread in a number of ways, including through respiratory secretions and contact with contaminated objects, including fabrics.
People with certain skin conditions, who take eczema seriously, are at a higher risk of severe monkeypox if they become infected, the CDC warns. but why? “Eczema affects the skin barrier and the integrity of the skin’s immune system, making the skin more susceptible to infections—including monkeypox infections,” Howa Yeung, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine, tells SELF.
Basically, people with eczema have “a weaker skin barrier,” Cindy Wassef, MD, assistant professor at Rutgers Dermatology Center, tells SELF. “Dry, cracked skin makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter the skin, including monkeypox,” she explains.
Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting disease that lasts two to four weeks, the CDC says. But in severe cases, especially those who are very young, pregnant, immunocompromised or have a history of eczema, the infection can lead to hospitalization and even death.
What eczema patients should know about the monkeypox vaccine?
There are two different vaccines to be aware of: Jynneos (Imvanex) and ACAM2000 (Imvamune). According to the CDC, they are licensed to prevent smallpox, but are also working to reduce the risk of severe monkeypox infection.
