Pantal ng dengue: what to know about dengue rash

Dengue can cause fever with headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills and a skin rash. The appearance and timing can vary, and other infections or reactions can also cause a rash. Easy bruising or bleeding is more concerning, particularly alongside fever. Do not diagnose dengue from skin changes alone; a clinician may consider your symptoms, exposure history and examination when deciding whether testing or monitoring is needed.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and record your temperature and symptoms. Wear loose clothing and avoid scratching irritated skin. Ask a clinician or pharmacist which fever medicine is suitable, especially if bruising or bleeding is present; avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen unless a healthcare professional tells you to use them. Arrange a GP Consultation if fever and rash develop together or symptoms are worsening.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools, marked drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, cold clammy skin or inability to drink. Fever that settles and then returns with worsening symptoms also warrants prompt review. Use mosquito precautions while unwell to reduce the chance of passing infection to mosquitoes.

Ask whether the rash pattern and fever fit dengue or another illness, whether tests are needed, which medicines and fluids are safe, and what warning signs should prompt urgent reassessment. Tell the clinician about travel, mosquito exposure and any bleeding or easy bruising.