What are the key symptoms of sepsis in adults and children. How can you identify a sepsis rash. When should you seek immediate medical attention for suspected sepsis. What is the importance of early detection in sepsis cases.

Understanding Sepsis: A Life-Threatening Condition

Sepsis is a severe and potentially fatal reaction to an infection that occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing damage to the body’s tissues and organs. It’s crucial to understand that sepsis cannot be transmitted from person to person. Sometimes referred to as septicaemia or blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate medical attention due to its life-threatening nature.

Recognizing sepsis symptoms can be challenging, as they often mimic other conditions such as flu or chest infections. However, early detection and treatment are critical for improving outcomes. If you suspect sepsis in yourself or someone you’re caring for, it’s essential to trust your instincts and seek emergency medical care promptly.

Identifying Sepsis Symptoms in Babies and Young Children

Sepsis can be particularly difficult to identify in infants and young children. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for the following symptoms:

• Skin discoloration: blue, grey, pale, or blotchy appearance of skin, lips, or tongue (may be more noticeable on the palms or soles in individuals with darker skin tones)
• A rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it (similar to a meningitis rash)
• Breathing difficulties, including grunting noises or visible stomach sucking under the ribcage
• Weakness, characterized by a high-pitched cry unlike their normal vocalization
• Unresponsiveness or lack of interest in feeding or normal activities
• Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking

It’s important to note that a child may not exhibit all these symptoms simultaneously. If you observe any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency department.

Recognizing Sepsis in Adults and Older Children

Adults and older children may display different symptoms of sepsis compared to younger children. Key indicators include:

• Confusion, slurred speech, or altered mental state
• Skin discoloration (blue, grey, pale, or blotchy) on the skin, lips, or tongue
• A non-blanching rash (doesn’t fade when pressed)
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

As with younger children, adults and older children may not exhibit all these symptoms. Any combination of these signs warrants immediate medical attention.

The Sepsis Rash: A Critical Warning Sign

One of the most distinctive signs of sepsis is the development of a specific type of rash, often referred to as a hemorrhagic rash. This rash has several characteristic features:

• Initial appearance: small, reddish discolorations or clusters of tiny blood spots resembling pinpricks
• Progression: if untreated, these spots enlarge and may resemble fresh bruises
• Advanced stages: individual spots may merge to form larger areas of purple discoloration

A key distinguishing feature of a sepsis rash is that it doesn’t fade when pressure is applied. This is known as a non-blanching rash. To check for this, try pressing a clear glass firmly against the affected area. If the rash doesn’t fade or disappear under pressure, it could be a sign of sepsis, and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Monitoring Rash Progression

If you’re concerned about a rash that could be sepsis-related, consider marking the edges of the rash on the skin with a pen. Check the marked area hourly; if the rash is spreading rapidly beyond these marks, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical care without delay.

Mottled Skin: Another Potential Indicator of Sepsis

Mottled skin can indeed be a sign of sepsis, particularly in its early stages. This skin appearance is characterized by a marbled or patchy pattern of discoloration, often with a bluish or pale hue. In children under five, mottled, bluish, or pale skin is considered a severe warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.

For older children and adults, cold, clammy skin that appears pale or mottled can also indicate sepsis. This change in skin appearance is often accompanied by other symptoms and should not be ignored.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

While severe symptoms warrant an immediate call to emergency services, there are other situations where urgent medical advice should be sought. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you’re caring for:

• Feels extremely unwell or as if something is seriously wrong
• Has not urinated all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children)
• Is unable to keep food or milk down due to persistent vomiting
• Experiences swelling or pain around a cut or wound
• Has an unusually high or low body temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering uncontrollably

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential sepsis. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care. Early intervention can be life-saving in cases of sepsis.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups

Sepsis can be particularly challenging to identify in certain populations, including:

• Infants and young children
• Individuals with dementia
• People with learning disabilities
• Those who have difficulty communicating

For these groups, it’s crucial to be extra vigilant and to seek medical advice if there are any concerns. There are resources available to help caregivers and family members recognize sepsis symptoms in individuals with learning disabilities or communication difficulties:

• NHS England provides easy-read information about sepsis for people with learning disabilities
• NHS Sherwood Forest Hospitals offers informative videos about sepsis for people with learning disabilities and their families and carers

The Importance of Rapid Response in Sepsis Cases

Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The speed of diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact the outcome for patients. Here’s why a rapid response is crucial:

• Early intervention can prevent the progression of sepsis to more severe stages
• Prompt antibiotic treatment can help combat the underlying infection
• Timely supportive care can help maintain vital organ functions
• Quick action can reduce the risk of long-term complications or death

Healthcare professionals are trained to recognize and treat sepsis urgently. However, the initial recognition often falls to patients, family members, or caregivers. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of sepsis and acting quickly when they appear, you can play a crucial role in ensuring the best possible outcome.

The Golden Hour in Sepsis Treatment

In medical circles, the term “golden hour” is often used to describe the critical period immediately following the onset of sepsis symptoms. During this time, prompt and appropriate treatment can significantly improve a patient’s chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications. This underscores the importance of not delaying seeking medical attention if sepsis is suspected.

Preventing Sepsis: Proactive Measures for Better Health

While it’s crucial to recognize and respond to sepsis symptoms, taking steps to prevent infections that can lead to sepsis is equally important. Here are some proactive measures you can take:

• Practice good hygiene: Regular handwashing, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom, can help prevent the spread of infections
• Keep wounds clean: Properly clean and dress any cuts, scrapes, or wounds to prevent infection
• Stay up to date with vaccinations: Vaccines can protect against many infections that may lead to sepsis
• Manage chronic conditions: Properly controlling chronic health conditions can reduce the risk of infections
• Seek prompt treatment for infections: Don’t delay getting medical attention for infections, as early treatment can prevent them from progressing to sepsis

By combining vigilance for sepsis symptoms with these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this life-threatening condition.

Sepsis Awareness: Empowering Communities Through Education

Increasing public awareness about sepsis is crucial for improving outcomes. Here are some ways to spread knowledge about this condition:

• Share information about sepsis symptoms on social media platforms
• Participate in or organize sepsis awareness events in your community
• Encourage healthcare providers to educate patients about sepsis during routine check-ups
• Support organizations dedicated to sepsis research and awareness

By working together to raise awareness, we can ensure that more people are equipped to recognize and respond to sepsis promptly, potentially saving lives in the process.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Sepsis Education

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating patients about sepsis. This includes:

• Discussing sepsis risk factors with patients, especially those with chronic conditions
• Providing clear information about sepsis symptoms and when to seek medical attention
• Offering guidance on infection prevention strategies
• Ensuring patients understand the importance of completing prescribed antibiotic courses

By fostering open communication between healthcare providers and patients, we can create a more informed community better equipped to combat sepsis.

Symptoms of sepsis – NHS

Check if it’s sepsis

Sepsis is life threatening. It can be hard to spot.

There are lots of possible symptoms. They can be like symptoms of other conditions, including flu or a chest infection.

If you think you or someone you look after has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Trust your instincts.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

A baby or young child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:

• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
• difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
• a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
• not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
• being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake

They may not have all these symptoms.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

An adult or older child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:

• acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
• difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast

They may not have all these symptoms.

Urgent advice: Call 111 now if:

You, your child or someone you look after:

• feels very unwell or like there’s something seriously wrong
• has not had a pee all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children)
• keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down (for babies and young children)
• has swelling or pain around a cut or wound
• has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering

Do not worry if you’re not sure if it’s sepsis – it’s still best to call 111.

They can tell you what to do, arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor, or call you an ambulance.

Sepsis can be especially hard to spot in:

• babies and young children
• people with dementia
• people with a learning disability
• people who have difficulty communicating

Information:

Further information on sepsis for people with a learning disability and their carers:

• NHS England: easy read information about sepsis for people with a learning disability
• YouTube: NHS Sherwood Forest Hospitals video about sepsis for people with a learning disability
• YouTube: NHS Sherwood Forest Hospitals video about sepsis for families and carers of people with a learning disability

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection.

It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.

You cannot catch sepsis from another person.

Sepsis is sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2022
Next review due: 05 September 2025

Can mottled skin be a sign of septicaemia and what does a sepsis rash look like?

SEPSIS is rare but serious, so it’s important that it’s treated immediately.

If you are worried that a rash you or your child has developed could be a sign of the condition, we’ve pulled together some tips for what you should be looking out for.

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It’s important to learn what a sepsis rash looks likeCredit: Alamy

What does a sepsis rash look like?

People with sepsis often develop what is called a hemorrhagic rash.

This may be a reddish discolouration, or a cluster of tiny blood spots that look like pinpricks in the skin.

If left untreated, these dark dots gradually get bigger and begin to look like fresh bruises.

They then join together to form larger areas of purple discoloration.

If you or someone you know has a rash that you’re worried could be a sign of sepsis, try pressing it down.

A sepsis rash won’t fade with pressure so it can help indicate if you need to get help.

Another way to keep an eye on the rash is to mark on your skin where it is each hour, if it is spreading fast – call for help.

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A haemorrhagic rash looks like red pin pricks on the skinCredit: Alamy

Can mottled skin be a sign of septicaemia?

Yes, it can.

According to the NHS, you should go straight to A&E or call 999 if a child under five looks mottled, bluish or pale.

In older children and adults, cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin could be a sign of sepsis or septicaemia.

Hands and feet may also be cold and clammy, even if the patient has a raised temperature.

What are the other symptoms of sepsis and septicaemia?

In children under five, the NHS recommends going straight to A&E or calling 999 if they:

• look mottled, bluish or pale
• are very lethargic or difficult to wake
• feel abnormally cold to touch
• are breathing very fast
• have a rash that does not fade when you press it
• have a fit or convulsion

In older children and adults, early symptoms of sepsis may include:

• a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
• chills and shivering
• a fast heartbeat
• fast breathing

In some cases, symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock (when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level) develop soon after.

These can include:

• feeling dizzy or faint
• a change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation
• diarrhoea
• nausea and vomiting
• slurred speech
• severe muscle pain
• severe breathlessness
• less urine production than normal – for example, not urinating for a day
• cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
• loss of consciousness

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The rash can develop to look like a bruiseCredit: Infect Med

Make sure you know the difference between sepsis and septicaemia – for more information, visit the NHS website.