Purpose of Review This narrative review aims to synthesize the epidemiological trends, cutaneous manifestations, and global prevention strategies of Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), with a particular focus on the underrecognized role of dermatologists in disease control and prevention. Recent Findings Although the cutaneous manifestations of CHIKF serve as crucial diagnostic clues, they are often overlooked. Early recognition of the "fever-arthralgia-rash" triad by dermatologists can reduce misdiagnosis rates by 30%-50% in resource-limited regions. The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and the skin lesions it causes exhibit evolving morphological features over time. Beyond diagnosis, dermatologists also enhance community prevention through mosquito vector control education and public awareness campaigns. Currently, global challenges persist: developing countries face shortages in diagnostic resources, while climate change is facilitating the virus's spread to temperate zones. Although progress has been made in vaccine development, long-term efficacy still requires validation. Ultimately, these findings confirm that dermatologists play a pivotal role in curbing chikungunya fever—from early diagnosis to community-based prevention efforts. Summary CHIKF, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by CHIKV, has emerged as a global public health threat. Its dermatological manifestations, though critical for diagnosis, are frequently overlooked. This review synthesizes CHIKF’s epidemiological trends, skin lesion characteristics, and global prevention strategies, emphasizing the underappreciated role of dermatologists. CHIKV transmission by Aedes species leads to time-specific skin lesions, and dermatologists’ early identification of the "fever-arthralgia-rash" triad significantly reduces misdiagnosis. They also contribute to prevention via community education. However, challenges persist, including diagnostic resource gaps in low-resource settings and climate-driven spread to new regions. While vaccine developments offer hope, long-term efficacy remains to be validated. Ultimately, dermatologists are central to CHIKF control—from early diagnosis to community action—and clinicians should prioritize recognizing pathognomonic rashes and integrating mosquito control education into routine practice.

Dermatological Manifestations of Chikungunya Fever: A Historical Review and Implications for Early Diagnosis

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年2月20日

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Yaojun Wang

摘要

Purpose of Review

This narrative review aims to synthesize the epidemiological trends, cutaneous manifestations, and global prevention strategies of Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), with a particular focus on the underrecognized role of dermatologists in disease control and prevention.

Recent Findings

Although the cutaneous manifestations of CHIKF serve as crucial diagnostic clues, they are often overlooked. Early recognition of the "fever-arthralgia-rash" triad by dermatologists can reduce misdiagnosis rates by 30%-50% in resource-limited regions. The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and the skin lesions it causes exhibit evolving morphological features over time. Beyond diagnosis, dermatologists also enhance community prevention through mosquito vector control education and public awareness campaigns. Currently, global challenges persist: developing countries face shortages in diagnostic resources, while climate change is facilitating the virus's spread to temperate zones. Although progress has been made in vaccine development, long-term efficacy still requires validation. Ultimately, these findings confirm that dermatologists play a pivotal role in curbing chikungunya fever—from early diagnosis to community-based prevention efforts.

Summary

CHIKF, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by CHIKV, has emerged as a global public health threat. Its dermatological manifestations, though critical for diagnosis, are frequently overlooked. This review synthesizes CHIKF’s epidemiological trends, skin lesion characteristics, and global prevention strategies, emphasizing the underappreciated role of dermatologists. CHIKV transmission by Aedes species leads to time-specific skin lesions, and dermatologists’ early identification of the "fever-arthralgia-rash" triad significantly reduces misdiagnosis. They also contribute to prevention via community education. However, challenges persist, including diagnostic resource gaps in low-resource settings and climate-driven spread to new regions. While vaccine developments offer hope, long-term efficacy remains to be validated. Ultimately, dermatologists are central to CHIKF control—from early diagnosis to community action—and clinicians should prioritize recognizing pathognomonic rashes and integrating mosquito control education into routine practice.