A MUM has shared photos of her baby’s unusual mark which ended up being an early warning sign for a deadly illness.
Alarm bells were first raised for the parent when the blemish – which could easily be mistaken for a bruise – failed to turn white when pressure was applied to it.
The rash failed to turn white when pressure was applied to it
The rash was an early sign of the bacterial disease meningitis
After taking her baby to hospital, doctors told the mum the rash was an early sign of the bacterial disease meningitis, which can lead to death if not treated quickly.
Australian parenting group Tiny Hearts Education shared the woman’s story on Instagram to alert other parents about the initial warning sign that need to be taken seriously.
The group of paramedics are now urgeing parents look out for marks on their children’s bodies, and to see if any discovered rashes whiten by “using a clear glass and rolling it over the rash”.
“If the rash turns white that means it blanches. A non-blanching rash doesn’t turn white when pressed on,” the caption said.
“If the rash is non-blanching it means there is bleeding beneath the skin and there are tests that should be done to rule out anything serious causing this,” they added.
What makes Meningococcal so dangerous is the fact that blood “leaks out” under the skin unknowingly.
To demonstrate this, the experts can be seen prodding a small rectangular piece of solid gel with a ink needle – the gel representing the body tissue and ink representing the trapped blood.
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacteria or viruses.
Meningococcal, the bacteria that cause meningitis, can also cause septicaemia – poising of the blood.
Around 3,200 people a year get bacterial meningitis. One in 10 die and many more are left with life-changing disabilities.
Viral forms of meningitis are less common and rarely life-threatening, but can have lifelong effects.
Infections peak during winter when bugs spread more easily in confined spaces.
More than a third of parents do not know the early symptoms of the killer disease.
Research has found 38 per cent of mums and dads wrongly thought a rash is the first sign of the killer infection, when actually the spots only appear when the child is already very ill.
The 6 signs of meningitis you need to know
Symptoms in infants and young children can include:
refuse to eat
be agitated and not want to be picked up
have a bulging soft spot in their head
be floppy and unresponsive
have an unusual, high-pitched cry
have a stiff body
Source: NHS