The monkeypox rash progresses over time from bumps and blisters to scabs. They will eventually heal completely. This usually takes 2-4 weeks.
The monkeypox blisters may be itchy or painful but are not always.
People with monkeypox are most contagious and can infect other people while they have a rash with bumps and blisters. It is possible someone is contagious before a rash develops.
A person is contagious until after all the blisters have scabbed over, fallen off, and new skin has grown back. This usually takes 2-4 weeks after the rash first develops.
People with a monkeypox rash should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people. People with monkeypox should avoid sharing bedding, towels, clothes, sex toys, and other objects until their rash is healed.