Dengue rashes may appear on your skin as red spots during a dengue fever infection. It often starts on the arms and legs and may spread to other parts of the body. While dealing with a dengue rash may not be a pleasant experience, rest assured that these red spots are usually harmless and tend to disappear on their own after a few days.1
There is no specific treatment for dengue rashes, but here are some helpful tips you can
follow2:
- Keep cool: The intensity of itch is usually worse when the skin is warm. Try keeping cool by taking cold showers or staying indoors. Perspiration may also trigger itch which is why some additional advice is to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, or any activity that may trigger sweating.
- Stay hydrated and rest up: Keeping hydrated is crucial as dry skin tends to be itchier. Additionally, getting plenty of rest can boost your body's natural healing process and speed up your road to recovery.
- Be gentle with your skin: Resist the urge to scratch or rub the rashes as it can worsen the skin irritation and increase the risk of infection. Instead, consider applying a moisturizer to provide a cooling sensation to calm the skin. It is also recommended to avoid using harsh soaps that strip natural oils on the skin as this may worsen the itch.
- Know when to seek help: While dengue rashes are usually harmless, it is essential to keep an eye out for any signs and symptoms of progressing dengue fever such as unusual bruising, pain in the stomach or persistent vomiting.
It is always advisable to contact a medical professional as soon as possible when in doubt.
