What Does a Meningitis Rash Look Like?

A strange rash that looks like reddish, brownish, or purplish pinprick red dots on the skin or a purple rash that looks like a bruise needs medical attention. A meningitis rash is a telltale symptom of bacterial meningococcal meningitis. This is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

Not every person will develop a meningitis rash, so it's important to look out for other symptoms. Read on to learn about meningitis rash, including what it looks like and pictures.

What Is a Meningitis Rash?

A meningitis rash is not really a rash but bleeding spots under the skin. This happens when germs enter the bloodstream and damage blood vessels and organs. N. meningitidis bacteria tend to cause the meningitis rash. The rash may also be a sign of septicemia (sepsis). This life-threatening complication causes the body to go into shock and organs to fail.

You might develop a meningitis rash on the face. It could be a sign of a severe meningitis case that requires emergency care if the rash spreads quickly. Blood vessels can leak as the infection worsens. The body responds by clotting the blood vessels. Blood clotting starves the hands, feet, and other body parts of oxygen. Severe scarring and a need for amputation may occur as a result.

What Does a Rash From Meningitis Look Like?

A meningitis rash can be hard to identify and look different from person to person. There are two different types of meningitis rashes. A "petechial" rash appears as brown, red, or purple pinpricks that can look like flea bites. A "purpuric" rash looks more like a bruise and shows up as reddish-purple or brownish blotches on the skin.

The colored spots may appear scattered in clusters where pressure occurs. These areas may be around the waistband of your underwear or your socks.

A rash that disappears when pressed is a "blanching" rash. A meningitis rash start this way in the early stages. The rash almost always evolves into a "non-blanching" rash. A non-blanching rash remains when you apply pressure to it.

The rash may be hard to see in people with darker skin. You can still check other areas of the skin that are lighter or paler, such as the:

• Abdomen
• Inside of the eyelid
• Palms of the hands
• Roof of the mouth
• Soles of the feet

Glass Test for Rash

One way you can tell if you have a meningitis rash is with the "tumbler test," or "glass test." Press a clear glass tumbler firmly against the rash. The glass test can tell you if the rash is blanching or non-blanching.

What Are Other Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis?

It's important to know that the rash does not show up in every case of meningitis. A rash is just one of the many bacterial meningitis symptoms.

Bacterial meningitis can also cause:

• Confusion
• Fever
• Headache
• Light sensitivity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stiff neck
  

Symptoms in Babies and Small Children

Bacterial meningitis symptoms can differ in infants and young children. Look for symptoms like:

• Abnormal reflexes
• Bulging in the "soft spot" of the head (in infants)
• Irritability
• Low appetite
• Slow movement or inactivity
• Vomiting
  

What Can Be Mistaken for Meningitis?

There are a few illnesses that can present the same way as meningitis. These include Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), scarlet fever, and mononucleosis (mono). These illnesses often appear with a fever, rash, and headache.

When To Seek Immediate Medical Assistance

Seek medical attention if you suspect meningitis. It's important to be aware of other symptoms, as a person with the disease may never get a meningitis rash. Medical attention for bacterial meningitis is especially important since the infection can result in coma, seizures, or death.

Prevention

The best way to prevent bacterial meningitis is to get vaccinated. Meningitis vaccines offer strong protection, but no vaccine (for meningitis or any other disease) works 100% of the time.

Other ways to prevent bacterial meningitis include:

• Avoiding cigarette smoke
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Keeping physical distance from people who are sick
• Using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands properly

A Quick Review

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop bacterial meningitis symptoms, including a rash. A meningitis rash may look like brown, red, or purple pinpricks, depending on your skin tone.

You can identify a meningitis rash with the glass test, which shows if the rash remains or goes away with pressure from a glass. Keep in mind that meningitis does not always cause a rash. It's essential to know the other symptoms, such as a fever, headache, and stiff neck.