The term ‘meninges’ refers to the soft membranes covering the brain and meningitis is an infectious disease causing inflammation of these membranes. In severe cases meningitis can lead to poisoning of blood a condition called ‘septicaemia’. Meningitis rash is marked by characteristic rash on the body which is very clear and distinct from other type of rashes.
How you can differentiate meningitis rash from other rashes?
Meningitis rash can be easily distinguished at home by simple procedure of tumbler test. If you suspect your child or any person having meningitis all you have to do is this. You need to fix a clear glass tumbler against the red spots of rash. Now holding the glass firmly, see through the glass for the rash. If the rashes are clearly visible then it indicates meningitis rash. Normally other type of rashes responds clearly when pressed firmly. It fades in color losing its original red color.
Typical meningitis rash will not lose its color and appear blotchy on the skin surface. These rashes can occur anywhere on the body. Often it is purple or bright red in color looking very much like bruises. The appearance of rash is indicative of septicaemia (blood poison) and in many cases the rash will not appear if a person is suspected to have meningitis. The presence of rash along with other symptoms is a clear sign of meningitis or septicaemia. If someone has fever, leg pain and cold feeling in his hands and feet then you need to get immediate medical help. In case the person has a dark complexion, the rashes may not be clearly visible. You need to check in the lighter portions of the skin surface like hands or soles of feet.
Other Symptoms :
Apart from rashes these are the common symptoms or warning signals that your baby has when he has developed meningitis infection.
- There will be excess of crying and it becomes high pitched when you hold the baby
- The baby will show irregular breathing pattern
- He would have fever with blotchy skin or blue skin
- His hands and feet may be cold in spite of his fever
- He may be sleepy and drowsy
- A small soft lesion is found on his head or fontanelle
- In rare cases the baby may develop fits or show jerky movements
Symptoms in Adults :
The affected person will have fever, Stiff Neck, and severe Headache and may develop problems in breathing. He would have joint pain; muscle pain, extreme tiredness and his skin may become blotchy and develop blood filled blisters. In due course, he may have confused thoughts and may become drowsy. Some people may start vomiting and feel nauseated.
Causes :
Meningitis is caused by micro-organisms like bacteria and virus.
Risk Factors :
Anyone can develop meningitis infection. Even an infant or an old person can develop this disease. People who have compromised immunity are at high risk of developing any infection.
Diagnoses :
If the patient is stable enough then the doctor may opt for lumbar puncture. A long thin needle is inserted on your lower back through which some liquid is collected from the spine. It is tested in the lab to find any bacterial or viral infection. CT scan is done for the patient to assess the damage caused to the brain tissues.
Treatment :
Meningitis is a life threatening disease and requires immediate treatment. It can cause complications like paralysis, deafness and brain damage. If meningitis is caused due to viral infection it can be treated and cured easily. Depending on the health condition of the patient, oxygen therapy is initiated along with medications. Antibiotics are injected into the bloodstream to attack the bacteria and to restrict its growth. Combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids are effective in treating meningitis. Meningitis rashes will disappear soon after the infectious organisms are destroyed.
Meningitis Rash Pictures :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Meningitis Rash
Prevention :
MCV4 vaccine is given to prevent meningitis infection. It is given to young adults and teenage children. If a person has increased risk then he may be given second shot of injection. Pneumococcal vaccine is given for babies and older adults to prevent against pneumococcal meningitis. For people above 60 years, MPSV4 vaccine is given.
