RASHY HORROR
IF your little one has a rash, then it's only natural that you will worry about the cause.
But one expert has now revealed how you can check the rash for sinister signs of a killer illness.
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Meningitis and septicaemia can be caused by various bugs, but in most cases it's caused by bacteria.
As soon as we think of meningitis we think of a rash and meningococcal bacteria in particular are the most common cause of the meningitis rash.
Mum and CEO of the Australian parenting organisation Tiny Hearts Education, Nikki Jurcutz has now given some guidance as to what you should be looking for when it comes to the meningitis rash.
Posting in a reel on Instagram she demonstrated the 'perfect example' of how to perform a rash test.
She said: "If your little one has a rash, hold and press firmly for about two seconds and then release.
"You're looking to see if the skin changes colour."
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The video shows a thumb being pressed down on the face of a child, which changes colour once the pressure has been removed.
"If it wasn't to change it would be a non blanching rash and you would need to see a doctor", she added.
In the caption she explained that a blanching rash changes colour when pressed, which is good but said you should keep an eye out for any other worrying signs or symptoms.
"Non-blanching aka colour does not change when pressed = bad, see a doctor urgently these types of rashes can be associated with serious illness (not always though) like meningococcal so act quickly!
"If your not sure if it changed colour film in slow motion like I did this one and review or use a glass and roll it over the top", she added.
Experts at the Meningitis Research Foundation said the rash can be one of the clearest and most specific signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia to recognise.
They explained that this rash could look different on different skin types and that the progression of it can also vary.
The symptoms of meninigitis you need to know
The eight symptoms of meningitis can present in any order, the NHS states they are:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms then it's important you get medical attention right away.
Babies might have slightly different symptoms and in most cases, babies who get meningitis are more likely to see the condition develop fast.
If your baby has meningitis then it might display breathing difficulties or could be breathing fast.
They might also experience extreme shivering, diarrhoea, grunting sounds, vomiting, irritable, pain and cold hands and feet.
They said that the rash could look pin-prick red or look like purple spots on the skin that resemble flea bites.
Alternatively the rash might also look more like bruising - showing up as reddish-purple areas on the skin.
Information and support officer for the charity, Katherine Carter explained: "Most patients with overwhelming meningococcal septicaemia develop a rash - it is one of the clearest and most important signs to recognise."
She added that in some cases a rash might not be present.
"Please remember that a very ill person needs medical help even if there are only a few spots, a rash that fades, or no rash at all.
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"Trust your instincts, someone who has meningitis or septicaemia could become seriously ill very quickly.
"Get medical help immediately if you suspect meningitis or septicaemia – rash or no rash!", she said.
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