How To Tell If A Rash Is Meningitis

In babies and adults, a meningitis rash may look like the following:

• tiny red, pink, brown, or purple pinprick marks (petechiae) on the skin
• purple bruise-like marks
• blotchy-appearing areas of skin
• pale or mottled areas of skin

The most common symptoms of either form of meningitis include: Fever. Severe and persistent headache. Stiff and painful neck, especially when trying to touch the chin to the chest. Vomiting. Confusion and decreased level of consciousness. Seizures.

Viral meningitis symptoms may also develop quickly or over several days. Fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness are the hallmark symptoms of meningitis. Others include: Nausea and vomiting. Confusion and disorientation (acting "goofy") Drowsiness or sluggishness. Sensitivity to bright light. Poor appetite.

One common symptom of meningitis is having an itchy rash. Usually, meningitis is known to cause an inflammation of the brain and the spinal cord lining.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.