Signs of dengue rashes

The rash can vary in colour and may fade briefly when pressed before returning. It may develop during the fever or as the fever changes. Dengue fever can also cause chills, marked headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, or unusual tiredness. A rash is not specific to dengue: viral illnesses, medicines, heat, and allergic reactions can look similar. Easy bruising or bleeding makes medical assessment more important.

Contact a clinician if dengue is possible, especially after travel or mosquito exposure in an area where it occurs. Rest, drink fluids, and keep a record of temperature, rash changes, bleeding, and urine output. Ask a clinician which fever medicine is suitable; avoid aspirin or ibuprofen until dengue and bleeding risk have been considered. Reduce mosquito bites while unwell by using screens, covering skin, and following local mosquito-control advice.

Seek urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, easy bruising, extreme sleepiness, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or cold clammy skin. Warning symptoms can appear as fever improves, so feeling less feverish does not remove the need to monitor closely. A clinician may need to assess hydration, circulation, blood counts, and other causes of the rash.

Tell the clinician when the fever and rash began, recent travel or mosquito exposure, medicines taken, fluid intake, and any bleeding. Ask whether testing is needed, which pain relievers are safe, how often to monitor symptoms, and which local service to contact if warning signs develop.