How nurse’s two-second ‘pen trick’ could save your life: ‘Everyone needs to know this’

An Australian nurse has revealed a life-saving tip that everyone should know, especially parents.

Pediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead, who is behind the pediatric and first aid education group Resuscitation for childrensaid it’s important to outline a suspicious mark to see if it changes or grows.

People are encouraged to draw a border around a suspected rash, bite or mark with a skin-safe pen to easily identify if the rash is getting worse.

‘Remember: make a sketch with a pen and then check it again!’ Mrs. Hunstead said.

Although most rashes are harmless and go away within a few days, it’s safest to keep a close eye on any new spots in case you need to see a doctor.

Skin rashes can be caused by infections, allergic reactions, immune system problems, or reactions to medications.

If the rash is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling or dizziness, call triple zero immediately.

In addition, if you have a rash that does not go away on its own, gets worse, or spreads, you should see a doctor.

Healthdirect Australia has revealed that non-viral rashes can be treated with prescription creams, antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids or a simple moisturizer.

A nurse said it’s important to outline a suspicious mark to see if it changes or grows

Another paramedic shared an important hack to check if a rash is life-threatening.

Nikki Jurcutz previously revealed that a rash that turns white when pressure is applied is considered safe, while a spot that remains the same color even when pressed could be a sign of a serious disease such as meningococcal, and parents should Call triple zero immediately.

She said rashes can have many different appearances, with bumps, flat spots, blisters, welts, bright red colors or a combination of features.

‘They can spread, move and change over time. You may also develop a rash that looks small and has bright red/purple spots or bruises,” she said.

‘If you notice that your rash has a rash, you should take a test to check if the rash is fading.’

One way to perform the test is to apply pressure to the result with a finger and hold it for five seconds.

‘What did you notice? Did it turn white and then red again? If so – good! This is a blanching rash and as long as bub has no other worrying symptoms please contact your GP,” Ms Jurcutz wrote.

Another way to perform a ‘blanche test’ is to gently roll a glass over the rash to see if it loses its color when pressure is applied.

“If you hold and release and the rash does not change color to white, then this is a non-bleaching rash and you should call 000,” she warned.

‘Non-blanching rash may be a sign of a serious illness such as meningococcal infection, meningitis, anaphylaxis or measles.’

‘Non-bleaching’ rashes, which can appear anywhere on the body, are caused by bleeding under the skin and although they are not always a sign of something ominous, they should be looked at quickly to rule out or treat serious infections.