Monkeypox is a rare disease. It first started around and was widespread in Central and West Africa. However, monkeypox cases increased in the UK and other parts of the world.
Monkeypox is mild, and you can recover from it without needing treatment, but that does not negate the possibility of a severe case. Children and pregnant women who tend to be immunocompromised are susceptible to contracting monkeypox.
There are no specific treatments for monkeypox, but you can ensure you take all measures to stay sanitized and clean. You may also take medicine for its symptoms. Additionally, it is crucial that you take vaccines used to treat and protect you against monkeypox. Most of these tend to be highly effective. The type of treatment varies per person and depends on the severity of the virus. Decreasing the chances of the virus spreading, treating yourself and ensuring maximized comfort during these challenging days are vital. Therefore, here are six self-care tips to remain at ease, sanitized and treated well.
1. Managing Symptoms
Take medicines containing ibuprofen and acetaminophen to alleviate pain or any related symptoms in case they are visible during your incubation period. They will provide you with relief. You can treat rashes in your mouth by gargling and rinsing with salt water at least four times a day. Additionally, you can use prescribed mouthwashes for more relief or anesthetics, like viscous lidocaine to alleviate pain. To keep your mouth sanitized, you can use antiseptics like chlorhexidine. If you cannot manage your symptoms despite all efforts, you must contact your doctor or health care provider for professional advice.
2. Rashes Relief
The most unsettling part about monkeypox is the rashes. So you should avoid the spread of rashes as much as possible. Scratching your rash or touching them can spread your rash to more parts of your body and potentially other people as well. Itching your rash will create open lesions that become vulnerable to bacteria.
If you do touch your rash, immediately wash your hands with soap and water. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, genitals, or sensitive areas. For temporary relief, you can use Topical benzocaine/lidocaine gels, petroleum jelly, or calamine lotion. Bathing in warm water or soaking yourself in oatmeal can relieve itchiness.
3. Bathroom Usage
If possible, dedicate a bathroom for your use only, ensuring that no one else shares with you. If that is not feasible, sanitize your bathroom after use by disinfecting all surfaces. If you have a rash on your hands, it’s ideal that you use disposable gloves while disinfecting surfaces that you have used. Use EPA-registered disinfectants for cleaning the bathroom or any household surface.
4. Disinfection And Waste Disposal
While cleaning your bathroom is most crucial, do not ignore disinfecting the rest of your house as well. This includes dishes like cutlery, kitchen counters, room desks, bedsheets and many more. Use separate cutlery for yourself and wash them with warm water allowing them to air dry afterwards. A dishwasher is also ideal in this situation. For lesions on your hand, you use disposable gloves while cleaning your dishes. Regularly disinfect all surfaces you may have got in contact with. When disposing of waste, use double bags to secure it well and eliminate the chances of the virus spreading. Remember to dispose of all trash as frequently as possible.
5. Laundry
Do your own laundry and keep laundry items away from other household laundry. Use the highest temperature your clothes can withstand and avoid overloading the machine. Refrain from using the economic cycles in washing machines to maximize cleansing. In the absence of a washing machine, you can always wash your clothes with detergent and warm water in a large bathtub. Ensure that you disinfect the area that you used to wash your items.
6. Taking Care
Use bandages over your rashes if you have developed any during the incubation period. This can prevent you from scratching them, thus minimizing the chances of them spreading. Avoid shaving the area of your rashes until the scab has fallen off and healed. This can prevent the spread of viruses and lesions. It is imperative that you keep your rashes dry at all times, besides when you take a bath.
If you have lesions on your hands, wear disposable gloves when handling all items.
Finally, eat healthily and let your body recover fully.
In conclusion
The symptoms of monkeypox can be irritating and distressful, so it’s a good idea to take ibuprofen and acetaminophen to alleviate these symptoms. For rashes, avoid scratching them and use topical gels or soak yourself in warm water or oatmeal. Disinfect your bathroom after use, especially if it’s a shared bathroom. Do not forget to disinfect kitchen appliances, cutlery, and the laundry items you use. Finally, taking good care of yourself is crucial, so use cream, take baths, eat healthily and ensure that you get a ton of rest.
We hope the tips in this article will help ease you during your monkeypox incubation period. Thank you for reading!