Does dengue fever cause easy bruising?

Dengue fever can affect blood vessels and the blood components involved in stopping bleeding. This may lead to bruises after minor knocks, small red or purple spots, nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums. Bruising may occur with fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or a rash.

Easy bruising also has other possible explanations, including medicines, nutritional problems, liver conditions or another blood disorder. The timing, extent and associated symptoms matter, particularly if bruises appeared suddenly or are spreading.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if bruising develops with fever, especially after mosquito exposure or travel in an area where dengue occurs. Note when the fever and bruises began, whether there was an injury, and any nose, gum, urine or bowel bleeding. Bring a complete medicine and supplement list.

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other medicines that can increase bleeding unless a clinician specifically advises them. Protect the skin from knocks, rest and drink fluids as tolerated. Do not stop prescribed blood thinners without urgent medical advice.

Get emergency help for bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, black stools, blood in urine, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty or marked weakness. Dengue warning signs can become more noticeable as the fever improves, so keep monitoring closely.

Ask whether blood tests or dengue testing are needed, which medicines and pain relievers are safe, how to monitor bruising, and when a repeat assessment is required. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, bleeding disorders, liver disease and any anticoagulant treatment.