Meningitis: Rash, and Other Warning Signs
In many cases of meningitis, rash, or cold hands and feet may present themselves in addition to, or instead of, other common symptoms.
The meningitis rash occurs if septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred. Blood poisoning occurs as a result of meningitis, usually when bacteria are present in the blood.
Meningitis rash
The meningitis rash develops in a very specific way. It begins looking very much like tiny red pinpricks. As time passes, and without treatment, the rash will grow to purplish red blotches.
An effective way of determining a meningitis rash from a less serious condition, is establishing whether or not the rash is non-blanching. Most rashes will go white when pressure is put on them. To determine whether the rash is in fact non-blanching, and therefore potentially a serious meningitis rash (requiring immediate emergency attention), perform the following steps:
Use a glass tumbler (or any small drinking glass) and press firmly on the rash. Make sure the glass is clean enough that the skin is clearly visible on the other side. If you can still see the rash through the glass, i.e. it has not turned white, then you should seek medical attention immediately.
Remember, that often before any meningitis rash develops (sometimes hours before) many children experience cold hands, abnormal skin colour and leg pains.
Meningitis, especially bacterial meningitis, is a very serious condition, and has a high fatality rate. If the condition is even suspected, do not wait for the meningitis rash to appear – seek medical advice immediately.
