Dermatological manifestations during Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika infections

Arboviral infections caused by Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses continue to pose a significant global health threat, particularly in endemic regions. This review is timely because of the increasing prevalence of these infections, driven by factors such as urbanization and climate change. Dermatological manifestations of these viruses are crucial for early diagnosis, especially given the overlap in symptoms, which can complicate differential diagnosis.

Recent studies emphasize the importance of mucocutaneous symptoms in diagnosing arboviral infections. In Dengue, distinctive rashes like the 'islands of white in a sea of red' and hemorrhagic skin manifestations have been key diagnostic features. Zika is marked by a pruritic maculopapular rash and nonpurulent conjunctivitis, whereas Chikungunya often results in persistent rashes, desquamation, and hyperpigmentation, particularly on the face. Emerging research highlights the skin's role as both a primary infection site and an immune mediator in these viral diseases, offering new insights into their pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.

The unique dermatological profiles of Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are critical for guiding clinical diagnosis and treatment, especially in resource-limited settings. Understanding these cutaneous manifestations can improve early recognition, particularly in differentiating between these viruses in co-endemic areas. Future research may uncover novel therapeutic strategies by focusing on the interaction between these viruses and the skin's immune responses.