3. Skin Rash: Chikungunya’s Visible Marker
Now, imagine this: you’re already grappling with high fever and severe joint pain, and then your skin decides to join the party. Chikungunya often presents a skin rash, making the experience even more discomforting. This rash typically appears within the first two days of the onset of fever.
The rashes can be maculopapular in nature, which means they consist of small raised bumps. These bumps might be red or pink and can sometimes be itchy. Unlike other symptoms that are felt, this one’s visible, making it a clear marker of the disease for many individuals.
The distribution of this rash is intriguing. It usually starts on the limbs and might spread to the trunk. The face, interestingly, is often spared, but there are always exceptions in the world of medicine.(3)
