Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Dengue Rash: When do you suspect it is Dengue?


Day 3: Rash is resolving

This boy first came to the clinic on Tuesday with a widespread rash over the whole body. He had been treated with antibiotics for a sorethroat two weeks before and it was initially thought that the rash might have been due to antibiotics even though he had finished the course of antibiotics two weeks ago.


Day 2: Widespread rash with "islands of sparring"

The next day, the boy's rash got worse and you can see from the picture below how the rash covered almost the whole leg with just little areas of normal skin. This is known as a widespread rash with "islands of sparring" and is one of the ways a Dengue rash might look like.

A blood test was done which confirmed that the Dengue IgM was positive. This indicates that the child is having Dengue fever. However, the platelet count was still in the safe range, so the child is being managed at home but has to come to the clinic for daily blood tests to monitor the platelet count.

The child is otherwise quite active and the fever has subsided.

Parents can learn a few valuable lessons from this case:

1. Always seek medical attention if your child has a rash with fever.
2. Never assume a rash is due to antibiotics
3. Most Dengue cases can be managed at home and don't need hospitalization

For more info on Dengue click here

For my previous articles on Dengue please click here

Confirmed case of Dengue in our Area

We have just confirmed one case of Dengue in a patient from Blk 862A today. The child developed a rash all over the body which was initially thought to be due to an allergy. But blood tests eventually confirmed it to be due to Dengue.

Please be extra vigilant to check around your area for stagnant water and to take measures to prevent your family members from being bitten by the mosquitos.

More info on Dengue fever can be found here

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Welcome TMAsia Life card holders!



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