When does itch when dengue fever usually occur?

The article is professionally consulted by MSc Nguyen Thi Ngoc - General Doctor, General Health Examination Unit, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

In many cases, patients with dengue fever develop an itchy rash when the fever stops, especially on the palms and soles of the feet. So when does the itch caused by dengue fever usually occur and how to overcome it?

Dengue fever patients experiencing itching is most likely a symptom caused by a virus. Accordingly, dengue fever often presents with typical signs in both severe and mild forms, including headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and dense itchy rash all over the body. body. There is a case where a patient with dengue fever has an itchy rash, so uncomfortable that they have to stay up all night, tired during the day, and can't sleep because of itching everywhere. For some people, itchiness may even appear after new episodes of fever. This shows that the patient is in the recovery phase after the disease.
The cause of the itchy rash when dengue fever is because the body is in the process of reabsorption of extracellular fluid into the blood and in the skin tissue is recovering from the wounds caused by the rash, resulting in itching. .
On the other hand, clinically, dengue fever patients with itching may be caused by acute hepatitis caused by Dengue virus (Dengue hemorrhagic fever is often accompanied by enlarged or small liver, elevated SGOT and SGPT liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin levels, leading to mucosal jaundice). In this case, the patient may experience itchy skin due to biliary hyperpigmentation or acute liver failure due to drug use (eg, paracetamol overdose) leading to jaundice, itching as well as confusion. clotting factor disorder.
Usually, the itching symptoms when recovering from dengue fever will go away after a period of 2 to 3 days, in some cases it can take longer, about 1 week, or even up to several weeks.

In general, if the platelet count gradually increases to stable and the patient no longer presents with fever, there is nothing to worry about. The treatment of dengue fever with itching is also nothing special. Patients can take Vitamin C to help strengthen their resistance, combined with adequate nutrition and reasonable rest. Besides, the patient should drink a lot of water every day, eat a light diet, should not eat fatty foods. To prevent allergies, patients should limit foods that cause severe allergies, such as seafood, beef, bush meat or foods to which the patient's body is already allergic.
According to the advice of specialists, in case the itching is too much, causing discomfort and affecting daily activities, the patient should go to a medical facility for examination to be prescribed appropriate medication. Accordingly, the physician may consider giving the patient an antihistamine to help relieve itching, or an anti-allergy medication (eg, Loratadine). Usually, the dosage of the drug for adults and children will be different. On the other hand, depending on the patient, the doctor will choose an appropriate drug. For example, during the examination, the doctor will determine a number of factors related to the patient's location and life in order to choose drugs and limit unwanted effects. At the same time, it is possible to effectively reduce itching in the area of ​​​​the rash with natural support measures, such as using salt, lemon, aloe vera, and coconut oil. For example, the patient can simply soak the itchy hands and feet in warm water mixed with salt or lemon juice, the itching will be reduced somewhat. Similarly, thanks to its anti-fungal, antibacterial, emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is also a safe and effective skin soothing remedy for dengue fever patients, helping the red and itchy areas quickly. rehibilitate.
However, the most effective is probably still coconut oil. Whatever the cause of the itch, coconut oil works pretty well. Therefore, with the case of dengue fever, an itchy rash, drop a few drops of coconut oil and then rub it directly on the affected skin area for the best effect. If the itching spreads all over the body, the person should soak in warm water after applying coconut oil to the skin.

Patients after recovering from Dengue hemorrhagic fever with itching should not be too worried. Because this condition only lasts for a few days and the body will completely recover soon after.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.