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What to do if…
a sudden red or purple rash or spots do not fade when pressed, especially with fever

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Call 999 or go to A&E now. A sudden rash or spots that do not fade under pressure, especially with fever or feeling unwell, need immediate assessment, so do not wait for more symptoms.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait for the rash to spread, darken, or disappear.
  • Do not wait for every possible symptom to appear.
  • Do not delay seeking help while repeatedly testing the rash, taking photographs, or searching online.
  • Do not assume a few small spots are harmless.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E.
  • Do not leave someone who is confused, difficult to wake, having breathing problems, or having a seizure alone while help is being arranged.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately. If going to A&E, ask someone else to drive.
  2. Say clearly that a sudden red or purple rash or spots do not fade when pressed. Mention any fever and when the symptoms began.
  3. Tell the call handler or emergency staff about any breathing difficulty, confusion, unusual sleepiness, severe or worsening headache, stiff neck, vomiting, seizure, cold hands and feet, or rapid deterioration.
  4. Follow the instructions given by the 999 call handler or emergency staff.
  5. Stay with the person and watch their breathing and responsiveness. Call 999 again if their condition changes while help is on the way.
  6. On brown or black skin, the rash may be easier to see on paler areas such as the palms, soles, roof of the mouth, whites of the eyes, or inside the eyelids. Do not delay emergency help while checking.
  7. If an ambulance is coming, keep the phone available and gather any medicines the person takes and information about known allergies, if readily available.

What can wait

You do not need to identify whether the cause is meningitis, sepsis, an allergy, bruising, or another condition. Comparing photographs, measuring every spot, contacting school or work, and arranging routine appointments can wait until emergency help is underway.

Important reassurance

Seeking emergency help is appropriate even if the cause later turns out to be less serious. You are not expected to diagnose the rash; describe what you can see and let emergency professionals assess it.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Tests, diagnosis, treatment, and later decisions need to be handled by emergency clinicians or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Follow the instructions given by 999 and emergency healthcare staff.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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