A one-month-old girl in Chennai developed black spots around her nose shortly before her mother fell ill with chikungunya. The child was healthy, but when he was 15 days old, he developed fever and pain, and then developed a black spot on his nose.

Doctors confirm that hyperpigmentation after chikungunya, also known as “black nose”, is harmless and needs to be treated with a moisturizer first. Chikungunya is a viral infection that is primarily transmitted through the bite of the AIDS mosquito. After fever subsides, sudden onset of fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle aches and rash.

Although most symptoms disappear within a few days, joint pain can persist for weeks or months. Recently, a new sign – black nose or “cheek spot” – has made people aware of it. According to experts, black nose melanin pigment usually appears after the first few weeks of chikungunya infection.

This condition can sometimes last up to six months, but it usually goes away on its own.This pigmentation is thought to be due to post-infectious hyperpigmentation caused by chikungunya virus, but the exact cause is unknown.Using a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated will slow the healing process.

Products containing kojic acid or hydroquinone can help lower blood pressure by inhibiting melanin production. Melasma or spots on the cheeks, macula (flat) and patchy pigmentation mainly affect the nose, says Hyderabad-based Dr Sai Kiran Chillukri.

It may also extend to the bridge and sides of the nose.”It usually occurs a few weeks after the onset of high fever and the fever and rash subside. After the first infection with chikungunya, the discoloration can last up to six months,” said Dr Chilukuri. Central facial discoloration can resemble conditions like melasma.

Sources https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/healthcare/chennai-infant-diagnosed-with-black-nose-disease-what-is-it-symptoms-treatments-19480956.htm

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