According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people worldwide suffer from dengue fever each year, with hundreds of thousands of severe cases leading to death. The dengue fever rash is a crucial phase of the disease.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the Dengue virus. The disease spreads from an infected person to a healthy one through the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The appearance of the rash is one of the common symptoms, often occurring around the seventh day.
Symptoms of dengue fever
After being bitten by a Dengue virus-carrying mosquito, patients usually experience the following symptoms:
- High fever: A significant increase in body temperature, often above 104°F (40°C).
- Headaches: A persistent and discomforting sensation of pain in the head region.
- Muscle and joint pain: Discomfort and soreness in the body’s muscles and joints.
- Red rash on the skin: The appearance of the dengue fever rash is a notable symptom of the disease. These red spots often surface a day after the fever and might vary in size and shape, usually without causing itching.
- Other symptoms: Patients might also endure abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eye swelling, loss of taste, resulting in loss of appetite.
Is dengue fever rash dangerous?
The appearance of the dengue fever rash becomes perilous during the later stages after the high fever subsides, marking the most dangerous phase of the disease. At this stage, patients might appear complacent as the fever symptoms diminish. However, this stage requires the utmost careful monitoring.
During this time, the Dengue virus significantly weakens the immune system. The rash symptoms become severe, and internal bleeding, gum bleeding, urine bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, menstrual bleeding, and other manifestations become prevalent.
Without timely intervention to address this condition, patients might face the risk of death due to respiratory or circulatory failure caused by internal bleeding.
Dengue fever rash appears when fever symptoms subside
Where does dengue fever rash occur?
Following the incubation period, dengue fever patients start displaying symptomatic developments within 7 to 10 days. During this phase, the dengue fever rash, often termed as dengue hemorrhagic fever rash, continuously appears on the skin, becoming increasingly prominent. Specific areas of the patient’s body might display these signs:
Initially, the facial and neck skin might turn red, akin to a sunburn, and upon touch, the skin feels rough and less supple. These redness patterns then gradually extend throughout the body, including the limbs.
Fold areas around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees, and neck might exhibit a deeper shade of red compared to other skin regions.
The arms are a common site for the appearance of the red rash
The dengue fever rash resolves when no additional red spots appear on the patient’s body. The time for these red spots to resolve varies, depending on each individual’s condition. Typically, this process takes about 2 to 3 days. However, in some cases, it may last longer, up to a week or even a few weeks, contingent upon an individual’s physique and immune system.
Guidelines for dengue fever rash
1.Dos:
Here are some general dietary guidelines when dealing with dengue fever:
- Stay hydrated: Dengue fever can cause dehydration, leading to severe complications. Consume plenty of water, fruit juices, and electrolyte-rich fluids to ensure adequate hydration.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks: Both alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration and are not advisable during dengue fever.
- Consume nutrient-rich foods: Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods to provide energy to the body and support the recovery process. These may include soups, green vegetables, fresh fruits (especially vitamin C-rich fruits), coconut water, lemon water, and protein-rich foods.
- Protein-rich foods and green vegetables aid in quick recovery.
- Avoid high-sugar foods: High-sugar foods may spike blood sugar levels and are not conducive to your immunity.
- Monitor symptoms and immune status: Keep track of your symptoms and immune status. Regularly visit the doctor for check-ups and treatment as advised.
2.Don’ts:
When experiencing dengue fever rash, there are certain dietary and activity restrictions to alleviate symptoms and ensure proper recovery. Here are some avoidances:
- Avoid foods containing aspirin and NSAIDs: Medications containing aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid these medications and instead use paracetamol as directed by a doctor if needed for pain relief and fever reduction.
- Avoid oily foods: Refrain from consuming oily and heavy foods as they might affect digestion and your immunity. Also, limit intake of dark-colored foods like pork, beef, chicken, and red vegetables like beets.
- Avoid sour, salty, and spicy foods: These foods can stimulate the stomach and intestines, leading to dehydration and increased chances of nausea. Limit these foods during your dengue fever period.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks: Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you and are not beneficial during illness.
- Avoid high-intensity activities: During the recovery phase, limit high-intensity physical activities to prevent additional stress on the body. Rest adequately to aid recovery.
Remember, adherence to a doctor’s guidance and recommendations is paramount. Dengue fever can lead to severe complications, and proper treatment and care are crucial for safe and swift recovery.
This article has provided insights into dengue fever rash and essential considerations when dealing with this hazardous condition. Hopefully, it proves helpful to you!
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
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