Meningoccal septicaemia as a whole is beyond the scope of Skin Deep, but it’s important to be able to recognise what is looks like.
Meningococcal rashes can be extremely diverse, and the rate of progression can also vary greatly. Look out for the following:
- A petechial rash (pin-prick red or purple spots on the skin)
- A purpuric rash (looks like bruising, showing up as reddish-purple areas on the skin).
A rapidly evolving petechial or purpuric ‘rash’ is a marker of very severe disease. It is most often found on the trunk and extremities but it can progress to involve any part of the body. In severe cases, the lesions burst and lead to necrosis.
References
https://www.meningitis.org/blogs/what-is-the-meningitis-rash
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/meningococcal-disease/