PINPOINT RED DOTS ON SKIN CAUSES SKIN
However, meningococcal rashes can be extremely diverse, and look different on different skin types. This rash can be one of the clearest and most specific signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia to recognise – hence why you have probably heard of it. As the blood vessels get damaged, blood starts to ‘leak’ into the surrounding tissue, often causing what looks like a ‘rash’ to appear on the skin. As this happens, the bacteria rapidly multiply and produce toxins which travel around the body causing damage to blood vessels and organs. Once the bacteria have invaded the back of the nose and throat, they travel through the bloodstream. Sadly we don’t yet understand why some people get ill from a bacteria that is harmless to most of us. These bacteria can be very common and are mostly harmless, but in some people this bacteria invade the body via the back of the nose and throat, causing severe illness and even death. Meningococcal bacteria in particular are the most common cause of the meningitis rash.
Meningitis and septicaemia can be caused by many different bugs, including viruses and fungi, but most cases of severe meningitis and septicaemia are caused by bacteria. Information and Support Officer Katherine Carter explains more.
However, the rash does not always appears in cases of meningitis, and the word ‘rash’ itself may be misleading. When we think of meningitis, we may think of the so-called ‘meningitis rash’ – a red or purple marking on the body which remains present when pressed with a glass.
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