Oral lesions in human monkeypox disease and their management

The current outbreak of human monekypox (MPX) in several endemic and non-endemic regions in 2022 has generated significant international attention. Despite the early classification as zoonotic, MPXV has demonstrated the potential for human-to-human transmission through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. Therefore, our objective was to elaborate on the oral lesions in human MPX and their management.

Articles published up to August, 2022, were screened to identify relevant studies in humans that reported oral lesions in MPX.

Oral lesions have been found to manifest differently and transform from vesicles to pustules, accompanied by umbilication and crusting within four weeks. Along with fever and lymphadenopathy, these lesions may develop in the oral cavity and then spread to the skin surrounding the extremities in a centrifugal pattern. In some patients, the oropharyngeal and perioral lesions were the initial presentations.

The oral lesions of MPX infection and its management strategies are relevant for dentists. Dental practitioners may be the first to detect the initial lesions of MPX. Therefore, high alertness should be there, especially while examining patients with fever and lymphadenopathy. It is also essential to thoroughly examine the oral cavity for macular and papular lesions in oral mucosa, tongue, gingiva, and epiglottis. Symptomatic and supportive care of oral lesions is recommended.