Skin rashes are often a major concern to many as it can be a symptom of numerous diseases or conditions. Like many other diseases, the infectious mononucleosis disease, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), can trigger feverish conditions and also cause rashes on the body. In this blog, we’ll explore some important information about mono and how the symptoms can manifest in each person.

For same-day mono testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our facility is equipped with on-site labs that allow our providers to diagnose your condition quickly. No appointment is required, simply walk-in!

Understanding Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis typically affects young adults between the ages of 15 to 30 years. Unlike other diseases, mono occurs worldwide with no seasonal period. Mono is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is a gamma-herpesviridae DNA virus that is responsible for both chronic and acute disease manifestations. Similarly, mono can also be caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV) and has been found in many older adults. Mono of this kind causes an acute, generalized rash on the body.

Alongside rash, common mono symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes

What Does a Mono Rash Look Like?

To diagnose you accurately, medical providers often compare a mono rash to other kinds of rashes like insect bites or allergies. The following are some of the distinct features of a mono rash:

• It is common in patients who are not under certain antibiotics or medications
• The rash often appears to be faint and non-itchy, but sometimes it can be noticeable to others if it appears on the trunk, upper arm, forearm, or face.
• Most mon rash can either be scarlatiniform, morbilliform, vesicular, or papular.
• If the infected individual begins the same antibiotics, the rashes can reappear within a week or two.

How is Mono Diagnosed?

Only a doctor can diagnose your rash and offer the right treatment for it. When you visit a healthcare provider, you will be asked questions on your symptoms over the past few weeks and thereafter, a mononucleosis examination is performed to evaluate the rash. A common mononucleosis test is the Monospot test which tells if you have EBV antibodies. The doctor may also perform a complete blood count (CBC) test, which shows the conditions of your lymphocytes and atypical lymphocytes. The result from the CBC test can help provide answers to your mono rash. If you suffer from a sore throat, a swab throat test is done to check the kind of microbial community in the throat. A swab result filled with streptococcus bacteria requires antibiotics while mononucleosis does not.

Most people with mono get better without any medical treatment as the symptoms go away within a week or two and the immune system returns to normal. It’s important to focus on supportive care – rest and hydration– to aid your recovery. If you are experiencing mononucleosis symptoms that are yet to fade or last longer than normal, seek prompt medical attention.

Get Mono Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove

Do you suspect that you have a mono rash? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. We’re open seven days a week and offer immediate treatment to patients, all without the need to schedule an appointment. Our providers can examine your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan treatment accordingly. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options to self-paying patients. For more information about the services we provide, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at (973) 239-2300.