Vaccine for Mpox and Eczema: Understanding the Advantages, Disadvantages, and Additional Information
In the ongoing battle against mpox, it's essential to understand the precautions and measures necessary, especially for individuals with certain health conditions. This article focuses on the advice for people with eczema, a skin condition that may increase the risk of severe mpox infection.
Firstly, people with mpox must take steps to prevent passing the virus on. Mpox can pass through direct contact with affected skin areas and fluid from blisters. Therefore, it's crucial to wash the skin with mild soap and water, avoid sharing towels, bath linen, or clothing with others, and cover lesions with long pants and sleeves until the scabs have fallen off, and new skin forms.
For those who develop mpox or suspect exposure, immediate contact with a healthcare professional is vital. If you have eczema, it's essential to inform your healthcare provider about your condition, as it may affect your treatment options.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association provides additional advice for people with mpox. This includes using sun protection of at least SPF 30 for at least 3 months to prevent scarring, keeping fingernails short to avoid scratching lesions, and considering silicone-based gels or sheeting if scarring is a concern. Baths can also help soothe the skin, while warm or cold compresses, or a sitz bath, may soothe skin in the anogenital area.
Tecovirimat, an FDA-approved drug for smallpox, is currently being used off-label for mpox treatment. However, it's essential to note that Tecovirimat is an investigational drug for mpox, and people must sign a consent form before taking it. Tecovirimat can help lessen severe mpox, reduce pain, swelling, and scarring.
For people with eczema, Tecovirimat is an antiviral medication that may help reduce the risk of severe mpox. However, other antivirals like brincidofovir and cidofovir, as well as vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (VIGIV), are also available but less common than Tecovirimat.
Preventive measures are crucial until the rash has fully healed and a new layer of skin has formed. People without symptoms cannot transmit the virus to others.
In the U.S., those with eczema are generally recommended to receive Jynneos rather than ACAM2000 for mpox vaccination. ACAM2000 is a live, replication-competent vaccinia virus vaccine that can cause serious adverse events in people with eczema, including eczema vaccinatum, a severe skin complication. In contrast, Jynneos is a nonreplicating Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus vaccine that does not produce live virus in recipients, making it safer for immunocompromised patients and those with skin conditions like eczema.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Jynneos vaccine for a wide range of individuals, including those with known or suspected exposure to mpox, men who have sex with men or any transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who has had a new diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection or more than one sexual partner in the previous 6 months, and those who have had sex at a commercial sex venue in the previous 6 months, among others.
In conclusion, for people with eczema, it's essential to take extra precautions when dealing with mpox. This includes receiving the Jynneos vaccine, practicing good hygiene, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
- For individuals with eczema, it's crucial to inform healthcare professionals about their condition, as it may affect the treatment options for mpox.
- Mpox can pass through direct contact with affected skin areas and fluid from blisters, so washing the skin with mild soap and water, avoiding sharing towels, and covering lesions with long pants and sleeves until healing is necessary.
- The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests sun protection of at least SPF 30, short fingernails, and silicone-based gels or sheeting for skin care if scarring is a concern.
- Tecovirimat, an FDA-approved drug for smallpox, is currently being used off-label for mpox treatment, but it's essential to note that it requires a consent form before taking.
- Jynneos is the recommended vaccine for those with eczema, as ACAM2000 can cause severe skin complications in people with eczema.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the Jynneos vaccine for a wide range of individuals, including those with known or suspected exposure to mpox and those at higher risk for mpox transmission.
- Preventive measures are crucial until the rash has fully healed and a new layer of skin has formed, as people without symptoms cannot transmit the virus to others.
