Snake Rot

Careful as we were, it only takes a few spores to be afflicted. It may not be deadly, but sometimes you wish it was, in the middle of it all.
The scars are more than just physical, in the end.

— Lessai botanist

Snake rot is a fungal infection caused by contact with the spores of an exceptionally rare mushroom which grows in the Hearthwild, the viridian spiral-cap.

Dread Serpentine

Snake Rot derives its name from its most prominent symptom: a serpentine rash that slowly spreads in one continuous line around affected parts of the body. This rash is incredibly painful and often leaves scarring once healed. More advanced symptoms include high fever, vomiting, and delirium if left untreated.
A salve has been developed that effectively treats snake rot. In small doses, the salve halts the progression of snake rot, allowing for a less painful passing of the infection. In larger doses, the salve may reduce the recovery time tremendously.

Curable, yet dreadful nonetheless. Hope that you never encounter this in the forest.

Type

Fungal

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare

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Not Touchy

Skin to skin contact with an infected person or creature is not typically a transmission vector, though in some rare cases stray spores may linger on the skin surface in fresh cases, causing infection to spread.

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Prognosis

Stage One:

Contact with spores produces no initial reaction. After several hours, a slight, warm tingle begins to spread across affected areas.

Stage Two:

At the second stage, a visible rash begins to form on affected areas. This rash itches heavily, beginning as soon as the rash is visible.

Stage Three:

Within hours of the rash forming, it begins to spread in one direction, extending in serpentine form. The rash increases in length only, never in width. At this stage, the rash begins to burn terribly, and the rash itself begins to crack and peel as it progresses.

Stage Four:

The rash continues to snake around the body. If left untreated into this stage, more severe symptoms begin to appear, both from the infection and from the constant pain of the condition. This stage may last anywhere from several weeks to several months.

Recovery:

Snake rot has been known to disappear on its own, but only after stage four runs its long course leaving behind heavy scarring.

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