Friday 17 November 2017

Mono Rash Pictures

What is a mono infection?

Does it really cause rashes? A mono-infection is also known as infectious mononucleosis, glandular fever, and kissing disease is an infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Other possible causes of mono infection are Cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis A, Rubella, and human herpes virus.



It is common in teenagers and young adults (15 to 24 years old). It usually resolves on its own without requiring any medical help. Treatment is given to the patient to ease the symptoms of the illness. Over the counter medications, rest, and plenty of fluids can significantly improve the condition of the patient. (1, 2, 3, and 4)


Mono rash symptoms

The symptoms of mono infection include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and rashes. The symptoms develop four to six weeks after exposure to the virus. About 10% to 15% of patients with mononucleosis have skin rashes. The rash non-itchy, faint, and widespread. How long does mono rash last? The rash typically lasts for a week. The rash varies in appearance. (2, 4, 5, and 6)

The typical characteristics of mono rash include the following:

  • maculopapular exanthem - Flat patches that may have small bumpy red spots. It usually appears on the trunk and upper arms. After a few days, the rash extends to the face and forearms. 
  • morbilliform - These are measle-like patches.
  • vesicular - Little blisters (1)
  • papule - Small bumps
  • scarlantiniform - Tiny spots that look exactly the same as the scarlet fever rash.
  • purpuric - Bruise-like rashes.(6)

Mono Rash Pictures

 image source: mercola.com

 image source: onhealth.com

 image source: staticflickr.com

 image source: webmd.com

image source: physicianassistantboards.com

picture 8: A mild form of mono rash affecting the patient's neck.
image source: lh4.ggpht.com

image source: healthylifemed.com

Diagnosis

A blood is drawn to check the level of white blood cells, specifically atypical lymphocytes. However, there are other medical conditions that could lead to the detection of atypical lymphocytes. Hence, monospot screening test is ordered.

The function of the liver is also checked. Other tests that might be ordered by the doctor are polymerase chain reaction assay for EBV DNA and antibodies to EBV capsid and nuclear antigen. (5, 7, and 8)

Mono Rash Treatment

How to get rid of mono rash? What available treatments are there for infectious mononucleosis? It is a viral infection and so no treatment is necessary for the virus will eventually leave the body on its own. However, if the symptoms caused by the virus will not be treated and managed, it could lead to a more serious condition.

Hence, the focus of care is for the symptomatic relief, which includes increasing the patient's fluid intake, bed rest, and simple analgesics. Corticosteroid might be prescribed if the patient has a swollen throat. As the patient's condition improves, the rashes will eventually disappear. It will take several weeks to months for the patient to completely recover. (2, 4, 6, and 7)

References

  1. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tc/infectious-mononucleosis-symptoms
  2. https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/infectious-mononucleosis/
  3. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/784513-clinical
  4. https://doctordecides.com/mono-rash/
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infectious_mononucleosis
  6. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/1001/p1279.html
  7. https://www.medicinenet.com/infectious_mononucleosis/article.htm
  8. https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/infectious_mononucleosis