9. Skin Rash: A Distinctive Marker of Meningitis
In some types of meningitis, notably meningococcal disease, a distinctive skin rash can occur. This rash often appears as tiny, pinprick red or purple spots, which can spread rapidly to form larger patches.
The meningitis rash is typically non-blanching, meaning it doesn’t fade under pressure. A common method to check this is by rolling a glass over the rash; if the spots don’t disappear, immediate medical attention is necessary.
While a rash isn’t present in all meningitis cases, its appearance signals a potentially severe form of the disease. It serves as a visual alert, compelling urgent medical intervention to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
It’s important to note that unlike rashes related to minor skin irritations or allergies, the meningitis rash is unresponsive to typical rash creams or treatments. Its persistent and rapidly spreading nature underscore the necessity for immediate medical attention. (9)
