Non-blanching rash

Non-blanching rash is a type of skin rash that does not fade or disappear when pressure is applied to the skin. This type of rash is often associated with serious medical conditions such as meningococcal disease and sepsis, and requires immediate medical attention.

Causes

Non-blanching rashes are typically caused by the leakage of blood from the capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels in the body, into the skin. This can occur as a result of a number of different medical conditions, including:

• Meningococcal disease: This is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis and septicemia. One of the key symptoms of meningococcal disease is a non-blanching rash.
• Sepsis: This is a life-threatening condition that can occur when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. A non-blanching rash can be a sign of sepsis.
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura: This is a disease that involves inflammation of small blood vessels. The inflammation can cause a non-blanching rash, along with other symptoms such as abdominal pain and joint pain.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a non-blanching rash is a rash that does not fade or disappear when pressure is applied to the skin. The rash may appear as tiny red or purple spots (petechiae), larger areas of discoloration (purpura), or even larger areas of bruising (ecchymosis).

Other symptoms that may accompany a non-blanching rash depend on the underlying cause of the rash. For example, in the case of meningococcal disease, symptoms may include fever, headache, and neck stiffness. In the case of sepsis, symptoms may include fever, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a non-blanching rash involves a physical examination of the rash, along with a review of the patient's medical history and symptoms. In some cases, further tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the rash. These tests may include blood tests, a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap), or a skin biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for a non-blanching rash depends on the underlying cause of the rash. In the case of meningococcal disease or sepsis, immediate treatment with antibiotics is typically required. In the case of Henoch-Schönlein purpura, treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

See also

• Skin rash
• Meningococcal disease
• Sepsis
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura

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