What should you know about dengue bites look like?

A mosquito bite may cause a small raised, itchy, pink or red area, while another bite may be barely noticeable. The size, colour, and itchiness of a mark do not reveal whether dengue virus was transmitted. Other insects and skin irritations can produce similar changes.

The more useful clue is illness after possible exposure. Dengue may present with sudden fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, or fatigue. Easy bruising or other bleeding deserves particular attention and should not be explained away as a bite reaction.

Wash the area gently, avoid scratching, and use a suitable anti-itch measure only if a pharmacist or clinician considers it appropriate. Photographing the mark can help you compare changes, but it cannot establish dengue. If fever or strong body aches develop, arrange a GP Consultation and describe the exposure and symptom timeline.

Rest and drink fluids while awaiting advice. Prevent additional bites with screens, repellent, and clothing that covers exposed skin.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools, fainting, confusion, unusual drowsiness, breathing trouble, or inability to drink. A bite mark that becomes very painful, hot, rapidly spreading, or produces pus may need assessment for a local skin problem as well.

Ask whether the skin finding needs separate treatment, whether dengue testing is appropriate, how to manage fever safely, and which warning signs mean you should go to hospital. Bring a list of medicines and note any travel or mosquito exposure.