CDC: People with Acne, AD, PsO, and Other Active Exfoliative Skin Conditions at Higher Risk for Severe Monkeypox

Currently there is no treatment approved specifically for monkeypox, but antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may prove beneficial against monkeypox.

People with active exfoliative skin conditions are at higher risk for severe Monkeypox, according to interim clinical guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many people infected with monkeypox virus have a mild, self-limiting disease course in the absence of specific therapy.  Individuals with eczema, burns, impetigo, varicella zoster virus infection, herpes simplex virus infection, severe acne, severe diaper dermatitis with extensive areas of denuded skin, psoriasis, or Darier disease [keratosis follicularis] should be considered for treatment following consultation.

Currently there is no treatment approved specifically for monkeypox. However, antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may prove beneficial against monkeypox.

Also on the list of high-risk patients who may require treatment are:  

• People with severe disease (e.g., hemorrhagic disease, confluent lesions, sepsis, encephalitis, or other conditions requiring hospitalization)
• People who are immunocompromised 
• Pediatric populations, particularly patients younger than 8 years of age
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with one or more complications (e.g., secondary bacterial skin infection; gastroenteritis with severe nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration; bronchopneumonia; concurrent disease or other comorbidities)
• People with monkeypox virus aberrant infections that include accidental implantation in eyes, mouth, or other anatomical areas where monkeypox virus infection might constitute a special hazard (e.g., the genitals or anus)