Non-blanching rash explained

Non-blanching rash
Field:	Dermatology, hematology

A non-blanching rash (NBR) is a skin rash that does not fade when pressed with, and viewed through, a glass.

It is a characteristic of both purpuric and petechial rashes.^[1] Individual purpura measure 3–10 mm (0.3–1 cm, - in), whereas petechiae measure less than 3 mm.^[2]

A non-blanching rash can be a symptom of bacterial meningitis,^[3] but this is not the exclusive cause.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Wells. L. C.. Smith. J. C.. Weston. V. C.. Collier. J.. Rutter. N.. The child with a non-blanching rash: how likely is meningococcal disease?. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 1 September 2001. 85. 3. 218–222. 10.1136/adc.85.3.218. en. 1468-2044. 1718924. 11517104.
2. Book: Mitchell RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL, Abbas AK, Fausto N . Robbins basic pathology (8th ed.) . . 2007 . 10–11 . 1-4160-2973-7 .
3. Web site: The meningitis glass test Meningitis Now. www.meningitisnow.org. 26 October 2016.
4. Web site: Management of the child with a non-blanching rash. 26 October 2016.