Neglecting to treat the cause of petechiae could be serious if there is an underlying health condition causing it. StatPearls. [Updated 2020 Nov 20]. Purpuric and petechial rashes in adults and children: Initial assessment [Abstract]. Summary. Here's how to recognize anemia rash and what you can do to treat it. Examples include: Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Evaluating the child with purpura. (2015). This helps to tell the difference between petechiae and other common skin disorders like viral rashes and hives. Allergies: People who are allergic to certain substances may develop petechiae after exposure to the allergen. For example, if petechiae are caused by a viral infection, treatment will focus on relieving symptoms and supporting the immune system. (2017). If they are associated with a more serious condition, treatment will be based on the underlying cause. Dont share glasses, utensils, and other personal items. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a rare, life threatening condition. Some examples of this are coughing, vomiting, or straining for extended periods of time. Leung AKC, et al. Leukemia: Symptoms. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, and headache. http://www.uptodate.com. http://www.uptodate.com/home. However, there are treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms. (2018). Accessed March 10, 2015. I have battling depression & anxiety for many years. Petechiae are less than 2mm in size (about the size of the tip of a crayon). A number of things can cause this bleeding, including: Prolonged straining; Medications; Medical conditions; Prolonged straining. Here's what you need to know to prevent this tick-borne disease. The most common causes include: Petechiae are small, red dots that usually appear around the eyes. This is a bacterial infection in the respiratory tract. But sometimes they appear as a symptom of an underlying medical condition. For example, some medications may bring about petechiae, including penicillin. A person with leukemia may have rashes, bruising, and other skin symptoms. Serious causes of petechiae often have other symptoms to look out for. 2010;81:735. www.aafp.org/afp. However, when it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, headache, or stiff neck, it can indicate a serious underlying condition. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based. Physical abuse in children: Epidemiology and clinical manifestations. This can occur with autoimmune diseases, medications, or infections. Sathiasekar, A. C., et al. You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood. If you have petechiae that are causing pain or swelling, you should see a doctor to find out if they need to be treated. You may get this bacterial infection from a tick bite. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. One small study reports that close to 30% of healthy infants may develop one or more petechiae. Tiny petechiae that appear on the face, neck, and upper chest are often caused by capillaries that rupture due to prolonged straining during a bowel movement or severe bouts of coughing or vomiting. Norpramin. If you press on petechiae, theyll stay purple, red or brown. Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of your bone marrow. They can also indicate other health concerns if a person is sick. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified. These may include: Streptococcal infections (like strep throat). Vision Center is funded by our readers. This infection of the inner lining of the heart includes symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, achy joints and muscles, shortness of breath, cough, and pale skin. Pazirandeh S, et al. Other symptoms include high fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Thats because having petechiae isnt an illness itself its usually just a symptom of another condition. The doctor and nurse practitioner both showed NO concern about the previous spots, but I'm very worried. Diagnosis of the underlying problem depends on how many petechiae are present and their location. Petechiae are small, red dots or tiny red spots that appear on the skin as a result of bleeding under the surface of the skin. Clean countertops and other common surfaces. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore throat. (2017). I only take Xanax 0.25 as neede which isn My sertraline tablets recently stopped working so well and the GP switched me straight on to fluoxetine. Seizures can cause involuntary convulsions and damage small blood vessels. (2022). You can't do anything to treat petechiae, as it's a symptom of something else. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed if an infection is present. This blood may show up just beneath the surface of the skin. A person with leukemia may have rashes, bruising, and other skin symptoms. In some cases, doctors prescribe the following to treat petechiae: These medicines treat infections and reduce inflammation. Other symptoms include a rash, red lines on the skin, flushing of the face, red tongue, fever, and sore throat. Sunburn is also a common cause of skin rashes that cause petechiae to form. It occurs when a child is forcefully hit with an open hand. Indirectly, yes, stress can cause petechiae to form under the eyes. This viral infection causes flu-like symptoms and breathing problems. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Purpura refers to purple-colored spots that are most recognizable on the skin. For straining or a skin injury, you may not need any treatment. Really, it is just broken capillaries under the skincan be caused by trauma (ie sports). Infections can cause blood vessel damage that lead to petechiae. Patients with chronic kidney disease or cancer may also develop purpura. You may develop sepsis if your bodys response to the release of chemicals to fight infection is out of balance. With medical big data and proven AI algorithms, eHealthMe provides a platform for everyone to run phase IV clinical trials. If you or your child has been diagnosed with blood cancer, treatment will depend on your specific type of cancer and how advanced it is. See additional information. Tobacco's early users thought it would keep them healthy and help them resist disease. I have had chronic sinus/digestive problems and I also have extensive petechiae(mainly limbs tho' slightly fewer/larger on trunk). Debbie loves to help people understand their own bodies better so that they can take better care of themselves! Could they somehow be stress related? You can unsubscribe at any time. 2008;395:1261. All rights reserved. Julie is a freelance medical writer and has worked in the medical field for more than 25 years. Learn how this unpleasant emotion impacts your mind and body and get tips to manage when you feel repulsed. Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Mayo Clinic Staff. They are caused by broken blood vessels that cause minor bleeding under the skin. Discover how to learn to love yourselfit can completely change your life. They usually appear on your arms, legs, stomach, and buttocks. Experiencing pressure to a certain area of the body from trauma or a tourniquet may cause the symptom. Mayo Clinic Staff. Petechiae are pinpoint-sized spots of bleeding under the skin or mucous membranes. I have them scattered on my arms and I'm worried.. People tell me I'm overreacting They're small and hardly noticeable but there are around 20 on each arm (only upper arm). GoodRx works to make its website accessible to all, including those with disabilities. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an example of an autoimmune disease in which your bodys immune system can attack parts of your body. Some home remedies that may help include: Its not possible to prevent all causes of petechiae. There is a problem with (2018). Prevalence and distribution of petechiae in well babies. Your doctor will probably recommend that you avoid the drug in the future. They seem to always fade within a few days. If you or your child have petechiae that spread quickly, or if you have dots plus other symptoms, seek medical attention. This occurs when your blood vessels become inflamed. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This condition occurs when your blood platelets decrease. When shes not working, Dr. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats. The main difference between petechiae and purpura is their size. I have had a few petechiae on and off for 2 months now, usually no more than a handful at a time. When the doctor called with the results her exact words were, "Your counts are normal, you definitely do not have cancer." Purpuric and petechial rashes in adults and children: initial assessment. Accessed March 10, 2015. Infections and reactions to medications are two common causes of petechiae. Usually theres an identifiable cause for petechiae. So dont ignore them. Trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Label_ApprovalHistory. Physical trauma, such as a strong coughing fit, continuous vomiting, or heavy sobbing, is the most prevalent cause of petechiae. Downes, A. J., et al. It reduces the symptoms of petechiae and improves the quality of life. Lab tests may be used to diagnose certain conditions that cause petechiae. There are a variety of different methods that you can use to help treat stress. other information we have about you. But in some cases they can be a sign of a serious, life-threatening medical condition. Mayo Clinic Staff. Her goal is to share important information so people can make the best decisions about their vision health. Petechiae may resemble a rash. They can be interpreted as Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, which requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. When this happens, blood leaks into the skin. New England Journal of Medicine. Some treatments for serious conditions associated with petechiae include: There are many reasons why you may have petechiae. Some viral infections associated with petechiae include: Infectious mononucleosis (usually on the roof of the mouth). These are the blood cells that form clots and stop bleeding. Petechiae are small, pinpoint-sized red dots on the surface of the skin. Other symptoms include bruising, a pale completion, yellow eyes, and nosebleeds. Bruising happens when blood vessels under the skin break and spread into surrounding tissue. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 12, 2015. When these vessels break, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue and cause the spots to appear. The petechiae turn red, brown, or purple as a result of the bleeding. Some other symptoms include fever, a stiff neck, vomiting, and headaches. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our. This condition is more likely to arise when vomiting is intense. This strains the small blood vessels or capillaries in your face. Can anxiety cause petechiae? This is triggered by different things. Before recommending a treatment, your doctor will identify whats causing your petechiae and other symptoms. Learn how to avoid, recognize, and treat strep throat. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Chemotherapy drugs may also cause petechiae. Our analysis results are available to researchers, health care professionals, patients (testimonials), and software developers (open API). The BMJ. Cytomegalovirus: Symptoms and causes. I am a 26f, good health besides allergies/chronic sinus issues, normal weight, but I've had history of problems with health anxiety since childhood. Mayo Clinic Staff. Viral infections, such as mononucleosis, can cause petechiae. Accessed March 10, 2015. Other symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, swollen glands, bleeding, bruising, nosebleeds, and night sweats. (2014). Litin SC (expert opinion). rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/fever_and_petechiae_purpura/, pediatriccare.solutions.aap.org/chapter.aspx?sectionid=112222568&bookid=1626, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/henoch-schonlein-purpura/, pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-health-professionals/Emergency-Department-Guidelines/Immune-thrombocytopaenic-purpura, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20361032, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20374373, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/petechiae/basics/causes/sym-20050724, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350508, pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-health-professionals/Emergency-Department-Guidelines/Petechiae, fairview.org/HealthLibrary/Article/512082EN, How to Recognize and Treat an Anemia Rash, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Understanding Rashes and Bruising in Leukemia, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, What to Know About Bleeding Diathesis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Petechiae are formed when tiny blood vessels called capillaries break open. Older Post Meningococcemia Endocarditis Lupus Nephritis Pneumonia Syphilis Tuberculosis. Dont let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Your doctor can examine the spots and conduct any needed tests to diagnose and treat the cause of petechiae. Infectious mononucleosis with eyelid edema and palatal petechiae. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other causes include infection, cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders such as lupus. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lupus Science & Medicine. BC Medical Journal. Blood clots or bleeding into the skin can be a concern when red dots appear underneath the eyes. Thank you so much for the helpful reply. Rochester, Minn. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Its a serious condition that needs treatment to avoid severe organ damage. They occur mostly on my stomach, though right now I have 2 on my stomach, 1 on my right leg, and 1 on my chest. This is a life-threatening blood infection. Petechiae is found among people with Stress and anxiety, especially for people who are female, 60+ old. Debbie Stephenson is a woman with many years of experience in the medical field. Its probably ecchymosis. They can be caused by a simple injury, straining or more serious conditions. Really, it is just broken capillaries under the skin.can be caused by trauma (ie sports). For instance, if red dots are caused by skin conditions or an allergic reaction, you might need to see a dermatologist for treatment. Try these pressure points for stress! A poor diet can lead to an increased risk of petechiae. I'm having the same exact issue as you for 6 months now with no explanation! Patients who have had a recent episode of acute illness or injury, such as viral infection or trauma, may also have purpura. A wide range of factors can cause purpura and petechiae to develop, such as: straining while coughing, vomiting, lifting something heavy, exercising vigorously, or using the bathroom damage. Its hard to know whether you have something mild or serious until you see your doctor for a diagnosis. Purpura are bigger, often elevated lesions caused by skin bleeding (Figures 181-2 and 181-3). Stress can also trigger other types of skin rashes such as stress related hives and possibly cherry angiomas. Infections that can cause petechiae include strep throat, meningitis, and Epstein-Barr virus. Drinking alcohol also affects the nutrient balance in your body. But in general, petechiae arent painful. Red spots (such as heat rash, which are accompanied by a prickly, itchy feeling) are more common in summer when skin is more prone to redness, sensitivity, and irritation,' notes. (2021). Mayo Clinic Staff. In most cases, petechiae are one of many symptoms indicating a serious condition. Kelly Brown is a content writer for Vision Center. Doctors may also refer you to a specialist if they suspect your petechiae is related to another disease. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/29/2021. For example, if you have petechiae because of improper nutrition or a medication reaction, correcting the diet and stopping the medication will treat them.