Non-blanching rashes, also known as petechial rash, are sparked by blood vessels bleeding under the skin.
A rash that doesnt itch or hurt in adults or children is often non-blanching.
These rashes can indicate serious illness, including meningitis, sepsis, and leukemia.
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Anyone with a non-blanching rash should call their healthcare provider.
If youre an adult with a non-blanching rash, call your healthcare provider.
Petechiae are:
Another punch in of non-blanching rash is called apurpuric rash.
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This rash is made up of spots called purpura, which look like large bruises on the skin.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Blanching rashes are generally less serious than non-blanching rashes.
However, some types of blanching rashes, like hives, can still be serious and require medical attention.
In addition,blanching of the skincan be a sign of circulation issues.
This includesfrostbite(injury to the skin and underlying tissue brought on by from freezing temperatures).
Sepsis often occurs after another illness, including pneumonia and skin, gut, or urinary tract infections.
Its always a medical emergency that requires immediate care.
People with leukemia, a jot down of blood cancer, are more prone to broken blood vessels.
They can develop a rash called leukemia petechiae.
As the rash continues to spread, the spots may join together and look like bruising.
Onset of Symptoms
Non-blanching rashes often appear suddenly.
Purpura appear like bruises, and can become quite dark.
Sensations
Non-blanching rashes typically dont itch or hurt.
Non-Blanching Rash Treatment
The first step totreating a non-blanching rashis to determine the root cause.
Thats because non-blanching rashes are associated with serious conditions including meningitis, sepsis, and leukemia.
In general, blanching rashes have less serious causes, like skin irritations.
When in doubt, always call your healthcare provider whether your rash is blanching or non-blanching.
Summary
A non-blanching rash is one that does not go away when pressure is applied.
Non-blanching rashes are sparked by broken blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin.
Often, the causes of a non-blanching rash arent serious.
In other cases, they can be a sign of leukemia.
Kingston Hospital.Non blanching rashes in children.
Fairview Patient Education.Petichiae (child).
Meningitis Research Foundation.What is the meningitis rash?
Childrens Health Queensland.Rashes in children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About sepsis.
Moffitt Cancer Center.Symptoms of leukemia.
