Non blanching rashes in children

Question 1

Causes of non-blanching rashes in children

Answer 1

Meningococcal septicaemia

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Haemolytic uremic syndrome

Acute leukaemia

Viral illnesses (exclude other causes first)

Question 2

Associated symptoms to ask about

Answer 2

Fever (meningococcal septicaemia, leukaemia, other viral illness)

Pallor, fatigue (signs of anaemia - HUS and leukaemia)

Abdominal pain - HUS, HSP

Bruising - HUS, Leukaemia, ITP

Sensitivity to light, neck stiffness (Meningococcal septicaemia)

Bleeding from the gums/Nosebleeds - ITP, leukaemia

Recent viral illness - could be ITP

Recent diarrhoea - could be HUS

Raised LNs (Leukaemia)

Haematuria /proteinuria (HSP)