Self Care: Managing Monkeypox Infection

• Wear loose-fitted clothing to cover the rashes. Gauze and bandages work well too, but members of the community say these can be uncomfortable as the lesions and sores progress.
• Skin rashes can be itchy, but try not to touch or scratch them to prevent their spread. Wash hands immediately afterwards and before touching other parts of your body. 
• Petroleum jelly (i.e., vaseline) may help relieve itchiness. Community members have mentioned some ointments can be messy or uncomfortable, especially if lesions cover large areas of your body.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, like ibuprofen and acetominophen, may help reduce the pain and discomfort. Talk to you healthcare provider if you are on other medications to make sure these are safe to take.
• FaceTime your friends and partners and reach out to connect with them. Have virtual lunch or coffee/tea or “Netflix & Chill” from a distance. Stream meditation videos and listen to your favorite music. Support each other.
• Stay home and rest if you have a fever, and wear a mask when around others.
• Keep bedding, bath towels and clothing away from shared spaces to prevent spread in your household, and wash separately.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if symptoms become severe, or if  spots or sores develop sores on or near sensitive areas like your eyes, genitals, anus, or throat. You may need and be eligible for investigative treatment although supplies are limited. To read more about this, visit sf.gov/monkeypox.