New monkeypox symptoms identified - pseudo-pustules that lead to ulcers

Cases of monkeypox are continuing to rise globally, with two new deaths being recorded in Europe.

While typical signs of the disease include a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, the most recent review of 185 cases - published in the British Journal Dermatology - has identified a new skin symptom related to the illness.

Dr Ignacio García Doval, coordinator of the research from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology, said: " Our research shows that the symptoms of the current outbreak are unusual and there is evidence that this is due to skin-to-skin contact during sex."

He added: "Rather than the typical widespread rash seen in past cases, recent cases tend to have far fewer skin lesions, often in one location."

Here's what you need to know about pseudo-pustules, the new monkeypox skin symptom identified by experts.

What are monkeypox pseudo-pustules?

Pseudo-pustules are the latest monkeypox skin symptom to be identified (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Monkeypox, which comes from the same family of viruses causing smallpox, is often described as causing pustules, which are pus-filled lesions.

However, medics have spotted a new sign appearing on the skin in the most recent monkeypox outbreak: pseudo-pustules.

Pseudo-pustules are similar in appearance to pustules, except they are white and solid and don't actually contain any pus.

While the top layer of typical pustules can be scraped off to get to the pus inside, that's not possible with the pseudo-pustules. This means that lesions from pseudo-pustules can lead to ulcers.

This symptom is important to note, with experts warning that there are very few diseases that produce this type of reaction.

Common symptoms of monkeypox

Fever, fatigue and rashes are other common signs of monkeypox (Getty Images)

People who have been infected with monkeypox typically develop symptoms such as fever, sore muscles, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and sweating.

A distinct rash breaks out between one to four days of infections, with lesions developing mostly over the face as well as over the palms, soles and mucosa (the moist, inner lining of the nose and mouth).

These lesions generally scab over and fall off, and the infections resolve within two to four weeks.

There might be secondary scarring from the rashes as pustules can get very itchy.

However, complications may occur in some people including encephalitis, pneumonia, secondary bacterial skin infection, as well as visual loss.

Infants, children and those with weakened immune system are at greater risk for developing complications from monkeypox.