Hives, Skin Rash and Dermatitis in Brazil

Understanding Dermatological Symptoms in Brazil

The skin, being the primary barrier between our internal systems and the external world, is often the first to react environmental factors, so dermatological problems figure as one of most common medical problems globally. For travelers, exposure to unfamiliar allergens, chemicals, and insects can trigger skin reactions more frequently than in non-travellers, due to a wider range of new exposure agents. These reactions can range from temporary allergies to more severe skin infections, leading to discomfort, aesthetic concerns, and even significant impact on well-being and travel experiences.

Identifying Skin Conditions: Beyond the Rash

Recognizing skin symptoms like rash, hives, and red skin is crucial in identifying specific conditions, whether allergic or infectious. However, accurate diagnosis involves considering other factors: the affected body areas, duration of symptoms, and, in a tropical country like Brazil, the specific areas visited and interactions with others. A comprehensive medical interview, achievable through telemedicine, plays a vital role in this process. Additionally, a trained physician's analysis of the skin's appearance, combined with collected data, helps piece together the puzzle, leading to effective and timely treatment.

Certain skin conditions are prevalent among both the general population and travelers, especially in communal settings like hostels or natural environments like beaches, specially if a rupture of the cutaneous barrier occurred with insect bites or injuries. While some of these conditions are self-limited, various of them can persist and spread, if not adequatelly treated, and cause at least significant discomfort, impacting negativelly on travel experiences. Some can even lead to serious infections, fever, and general malaise.

The most frequent skin issues encountered in Brazil include:

a) Allergic Conditions: it can be triggered by multiple allergens, that often result in Dermatitis.

b) Fungal Infections: Commonly known as Ringworm.

c) Parasitic Infections: Such as Scabies, comparable to bed bug infestations, despite the fact that is caused by a different agent. Other skin parasites includes Helminthic such as Hook worm Cutaneous Larva Migrans and others.

d) Bacterial Infections: it can be caused after insect bites and generate Foliculitis and skin abscess, that would need oral antibiotic;

d) Viral Infections: Examples are Herpes, which can affect lips and genitals, and Herpes Zoster, which often appears on the back.

e) Reactions to External Factors: Conditions like Intertrigo from high temperatures and sweating or varying degrees of Sunburn, which in severe cases, can require antibiotics and strong painkillers.

f) Systemic Infection Indicators: In some cases, red skin or rash may signal systemic infections, like Dengue, Chikungunya or Syphilis, which are diagnosable through lab tests or rapid testing kits.

Treatment varies based on the underlying cause and may include antifungals, antibiotics, antiparasitics, which can be oral and/or topical, and symptom control medications like antihistamines and steroids. My Brazilian Doctor offers electronic prescriptions immediately after a same-day video consultation. These e-prescriptions are valid at any pharmacy in Brazil, ensuring prompt relief and recovery with professional guidance.

Most frequent skin conditions, such as hives, skin rashes, and dermatitis, can be effectively addressed by a General Practitioner or family doctor. This integral health approach brings several advantages, including comprehensive care, reduced waiting times for dermatologists, and timely initiation of treatment. However, dermatologists, who are also trained as skin surgeons, play a crucial role in treating more complex issues such as skin cancer. Deciding which doctor to see at the onset of new symptoms, as well as after receiving a diagnosis, will depend on various factors, including the severity and persistence of the symptoms.

If you are visiting or living in Brazil, it is important to consider that finding a doctor who speaks English fluently enough to conduct a comfortable consultation is not as common as one might think. Being able to describe your skin symptoms in detail is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Starting with a family doctor can help manage most skin issues and provide prompt care without the long wait times for a dermatologist. For specialized care, particularly for surgical treatments and complex skin conditions, consulting a dermatologist is necessary.

Telemedicine offers a convenient, efficient alternative to traditional healthcare service wait times and communication barriers. With My Brazilian Doctor, same-day consultations are easily booked, and a thorough evaluation of symptoms and risk factors is conducted in English. Clear images provided during the consultation aid in accurate assessment. 

Additionally, we offer follow-up contacto at no extra cost, ensuring ongoing progress and medication adjustments, if needed. Should specialist care be required, what is not likely for treatment of most frequent skin problems discussed on this article, we provide a referral letter and options for specialists in your area in Brazil.

At My Brazilian Doctor, your skin health and overall well-being during your stay in Brazil are our top priorities.

Responsible for the content:

Dr. Fabio L Vieira is a Family Physician licensed to practice in Brazil, with over two decades of experience in both Brazilian and UK healthcare systems. Besides his medical background in Brazil, he completed part of his academic training in the UK, holding a master's degree in International Health Management from Imperial College London. Given the frequency of skin symptoms in general practice and among international travelers, Dr. Vieira has a strong interest in treating dermatological problems. Dr. Vieira acts as a Guest Lecturer at UNESP, contributing to the university's Family Doctors training program. He is the principal consultant at My Brazilian Doctor, providing personalized care for English-speaking visitors and expatriates in Brazil. To contact him directly, please email fabio.vieira16@alumni.imperial.ac.uk or for general enquiries info@mybraziliandoctor.com.

References:

- Korzeniewski, K., Juszczak, D., & Jerzemowski, J. (2015). Skin lesions in returning travellers. International Maritime Health, 66(3), 173-180.

- Lawler, M. (2023). 8 Contact Dermatitis Triggers That May Surprise You. Everyday Health. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from www.everydayhealth.com

- Cabieses, B. Uphoff E, Pinart M, Antó JM, Wright J. A Systematic Review on the Development of Asthma and Allergic Diseases in Relation to International Immigration: The Leading Role of the Environment Confirmed. PLoS One. 2014; 9(8): e105347. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105347. PMID: 25141011; PMCID: PMC4139367.

- Shepard Z, Rios M, Solis J, Wand T, Henao-Martínez AF, Franco-Paredes C, Suarez JA. Common Dermatologic Conditions in Returning Travelers. Curr Trop Med Rep. 2021 Jun;8(2):104-111. doi: 10.1007/s40475-021-00231-8. Epub 2021 Feb 16. PMID: 34458071; PMCID: PMC8389143.

- Patrick Hochedez, Eric Caumes, Common Skin Infections in Travelers, Journal of Travel Medicine, Volume 15, Issue 4, 1 July 2008, Pages 252–262, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1708-8305.2008.00206.x

Tropical skin rash. hook worn, scabies, bed bug, dermatitis, skin rash, hookworn, ringworn, hand dermatitis,  ear eczema, irritant contact dermatitis, weeping eczema, discoid eczema, nummular eczema, hand eczema

Alter do Chao PA - Angra dos Reis RJ - Aracaju SE - Arraial do Cabo RJ - Balneario Camboriu SC - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Barra, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Bela Vista, Sao Paulo SP - Belem PA - Belo Horizonte MG - Blumenau SC - Boa Vista RR - Bombinhas SC - Bonito MS - Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Brasilia DF - Buzios RJ - Cabo Frio RJ - Campina Grande PB - Campos do Jordão SP - Campo Grande MS - Chapada Diamantina BA - Chapada dos Guimaraes MT - Chapada dos Veadeiros GO - Chapada Veadeiros DF - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Cuiaba MT - Curitiba PR - Fernando de Noronha PE - Florianopolis SC - Fortaleza CE - Foz do Iguacu PR - Gavea, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Gramado RS - Ilha de Marajo PA - Ilha Grande RJ - Ilhabela SP - Ilheus BA - Imbituba SC - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Itacare BA - Itaim Bibi, Sao Paulo SP - Itapema SC - Itajai SC - Jalapao TO - Jardim Botanico, Rio de Janeiro RJ -    Jardins, Sao Paulo SP - Jericoacoara CE - Joao Pessoa PB - Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Laguna SC - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro RJ - Lencois Maranhenses MA - Macae RJ - Maceio AL - Manaus AM - Maragogi AL - Moema , Sao Paulo SP - Monte Roraima RR - Morumbi, Sao Paulo SP - Natal RN - Navegantes SC - Niteroi RJ - Olimpia SP - Olinda PE - Ouro Preto MG - Pantanal MS - Paraiso, Sao Paulo SP -  Paranagua PR -  Paraty RJ -  Perdizes, Sao Paulo SP -  Petrópolis RJ - Pinheiros, Sao Paulo SP -  Porto Alegre RS - Recife PE - Santana, Sao Paulo SP - Santos SP - Sao Francisco do Sul SC - Sao Luis MA - Trancoso BA - Vila Mariana, Sao Paulo SP - Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo SP - Vila Olimpia, Sao Paulo SP - Vitoria ES