Rashes in a person with dengue

Dengue-related skin changes may be blotchy, flushed or widespread and can change as the illness progresses. A rash may occur with fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and joint pain. It can also be difficult to distinguish from a medicine reaction or another infection. New pinpoint spots, easy bruising or bleeding deserve particular attention because they may signal a more serious problem. Do not judge recovery only by the colour or size of the rash.

Follow the clinician’s fluid and follow-up plan, take frequent small drinks if nausea is present, and record vomiting, urine, temperature and skin changes. Use a simple moisturiser only if the skin is dry and it does not sting. Avoid scratching, alcohol-based products and unapproved medicines. Aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided unless a clinician specifically advises otherwise. Keep the patient away from mosquito bites while ill and bring a complete medicine list to review.

Go to urgent care for bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, black stool, rapidly appearing bruises, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fainting, confusion, marked drowsiness, breathing difficulty or very little urine. Seek advice promptly if the patient cannot drink, becomes much weaker or develops a new rash with swelling of the lips or face. These warnings need assessment even when the fever has fallen.

Ask how often to monitor fluids and urine, which medicines are safe, when blood tests or review are needed, and which bleeding signs require immediate transfer to hospital. Explain every new symptom rather than focusing only on the rash.