What does easy bruising feel like with dengue fever?

Bruises may show as tender or painless patches after a minor knock, with colour changing as the body reabsorbs blood. Small red or purple spots may also appear under the skin. Dengue fever can affect clotting and the blood cells involved in stopping bleeding, so bruising may occur with fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, or bleeding from the nose or gums. The illness can change as fever settles, which is why new symptoms matter even if the temperature improves.

Contact a clinician promptly if dengue fever is suspected or bruising develops during a febrile illness. Rest, drink fluids as advised, and check with a healthcare professional before taking medicines for pain or fever, because some medicines can increase bleeding. Avoid strenuous activity and contact sports while unwell. Note fever changes, new bruises, urine or stool changes, vomiting, and any bleeding so you can describe them accurately.

Go to urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding that does not stop, blood in vomit or stool, black stools, marked drowsiness, restlessness, fainting, cold or clammy skin, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate help if the person cannot drink or is passing very little urine. Do not wait for a routine review when bruising rapidly spreads or bleeding begins.

Ask whether the symptoms fit dengue fever, whether blood tests or repeat checks are needed, which fluids and medicines are suitable, and which warning signs require hospital care. Ask when normal activity can safely resume.