A meningitis rash results from an infection reaction that causes bleeding under the skin. This may look similar to pinpricks or bruises.
Meningitis is an infectious disease caused by certain viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It causes swelling of the meninges, the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is a
The disease can be life threatening. If a person exhibits any hallmark symptoms of meningitis they should seek immediate medical attention. Learning to spot meningitis symptoms can help a person receive the right treatment fast.
In this article, we describe how to spot a meningitis rash. We provide a picture guide, explore other meningitis symptoms, and discuss similar conditions.
Meningitis may cause a variety of symptoms, and certain types of bacterial meningitis may cause a distinctive rash.
The bleeding develops after the disease has progressed to cause blood poisoning. The medical term for this is meningococcal septicemia, or meningococcemia. It leads to broken blood vessels, giving the appearance of a rash. Approximately
However, meningococcemia
Other Symptoms can include:
- tiny red, pink, brown, or purple “pinprick marks,” called petechiae, on the skin
- purple bruise-like marks
- blotchy areas of skin
- pale or mottled areas of skin
The meningitis rash may be less apparent on darker skin tones and can appear anywhere on the body. Usually, the rash is not raised, so the skin is unlikely to feel rough or bumpy.
Similar rashes
Some medications and many health issues — including injuries and viral infections — can cause rashes that may appear similar. Other conditions that can cause a similar petechial rash
- viral infections, including enterovirus and parvovirus B19
- bacterial infections such as scarlet fever and infective endocarditis
- impact injuries
- vasculitis and inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus
- drug reactions
- chronic liver disease
- vitamin K deficiency
- blood disorders, including leukemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
These conditions are serious health concerns and require immediate medical attention.
The glass test can help healthcare providers determine whether a rash may result from meningitis.. However, it is important to note that this is an unreliable way to diagnose meningitis; anyone presenting with meningitis symptoms, including but not limited to headache, stiff neck, and light sensitivity, should seek immediate emergency medical care.
To perform the glass test, a healthcare provider can press a clear drinking glass against the rash. If the marks are still visible, even with pressure, this suggests that the rash is caused by bleeding under the skin
This is a sign that the rash is petechial, resulting from meningitis or other serious illnesses that cause bleeding.
A meningitis rash can be difficult to see, especially on darker skin tones. Try the glass test on areas of rash that are easier to reach, such as the trunk or limbs, and lighter areas, such as the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet.
Anyone can get meningitis. In the United States, however, young children are
- fever
- shivering
- a stiff neck
- arching of the back
- cold hands and feet
- turning away from light
- excessive irritability, such as a dislike of being picked up
- intense lethargy, an inability to wake up, or both
- a bulging fontanel, which is the soft spot on the head
- a refusal to eat
- vomiting or diarrhea
If meningitis progresses to septicemia, a rash or unusual skin coloration may develop. This can happen
Symptoms of meningitis in teens and adults include:
- a severe headache
- sensitivity to light
- a stiff neck that is painful to move
- abdominal pain
- aches or muscle pain
- a fever
- double vision
- mental changes, including confusion
- vomiting
- seizures
Doctors can diagnose meningitis by performing one or more medical tests, such as:
Treatment
If meningitis is suspected, doctors may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution even before the exact cause of meningitis is clear. This is because bacterial meningitis tends to be more serious than viral meningitis.
Milder cases of viral meningitis may resolve without antiviral treatment in
Doctors may treat fungal meningitis with antifungal medicines. A person with meningitis may also need medications to prevent seizures, as well as steroids to reduce brain inflammation.
People who may have a higher risk of meningitis include:
- infants under
1 year of age - people who live in close communities such as college dorms or adult care facilities
- anyone with a weakened immune system
- people with certain medical conditions
Meningitis can be life threatening, and it can
Many people recover from meningitis with prompt medical care. However, long-term complications can include:
Learn more about the effects and complications of meningitis here.
Some types of meningitis can pass from person to person. Strategies for avoiding meningitis include:
- not sharing foods, drinks, utensils, or personal items
- washing the hands properly and often with soap and running water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
- coughing and sneezing into the crook of the elbow rather than the hands
- staying home when ill and keeping sick children from attending day care or school
One of the best ways to prevent meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccines for everyone aged
Vaccination may be especially crucial for children and adults with a higher risk.
The outlook for meningitis depends on
Seek emergency medical care if a person has any symptoms of meningitis. Prompt treatment can greatly increase the chance of survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications.