Living with Rickettsialpox
A rare infection spread by mites that causes a skin sore, fever, and a blister-like rash, and clears on its own.
Understanding Rickettsialpox
It starts with a small, painless blister-like bump that usually turns into a sore with a dark scab (eschar). A rash with small bumps and blisters then spreads over the body. People may also have swollen lymph nodes, fever, tiredness, and headaches. GARD says whole-body symptoms go away within 6 to 10 days. It can occur at any age.
Signs & symptoms
GARD lists these symptoms in its summary:
- Small bump that becomes a sore with a dark scab
- Rash with small bumps and blisters
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle aches and sweating
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by Rickettsia akari bacteria carried by mites.
Also known as: kew gardens spotted fever; rickettsia akari spotted fever; rickettsialpox due to rickettsia akari; vesicular rickettsiosis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Rickettsialpox.
Explore research for Rickettsialpox
Explore actively recruiting Rickettsialpox studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Rickettsialpox with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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