Petechiae are tiny red, purple, or brown spots that appear on the skin or mucous membranes. These small discolorations are not a disease in themselves, but rather a symptom indicating that blood has leaked from tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, into the skin. Understanding these spots helps individuals determine their significance and when medical attention might be required.
What is Petechiae?
Petechiae manifest as flat, pinpoint-sized dots, typically measuring less than 2 millimeters in diameter. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the arms, legs, torso, inside the mouth, or on the eyelids. The spots do not blanch, meaning they do not fade or turn white when pressed, a key characteristic distinguishing them from many rashes.
Unlike a typical rash, which often involves inflammation and may blanch, petechiae result directly from bleeding under the skin. While they might appear in clusters, their non-blanching nature confirms they are caused by broken capillaries. Petechiae are generally not painful or itchy, but their presence indicates an underlying cause.
Does Petechiae Come and Go?
Petechiae can indeed come and go, with their transient or persistent nature depending on the underlying cause. Spots from minor physical strain often appear briefly and then fade as the body recovers. For instance, petechiae on the face, neck, or chest can develop after intense activities such as severe coughing, vomiting, or heavy lifting.
These temporary petechiae typically resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks without specific treatment, disappearing as localized pressure subsides. However, petechiae stemming from more significant medical conditions may persist, recur, or spread. The pattern of their appearance and disappearance can provide important clues about their origin.
Common Causes and Accompanying Symptoms
Petechiae can arise from various factors, from harmless occurrences to signs of more serious health issues. Minor causes often involve physical stress that increases pressure on small blood vessels. These include straining during childbirth, forceful coughing or vomiting, or tight clothing. Petechiae from these activities are usually localized and resolve quickly.
More significant causes involve underlying medical conditions, certain medications, or infections. Infections like mononucleosis, influenza, measles, strep throat, scarlet fever, or meningitis can lead to petechiae. Blood and immune disorders, including thrombocytopenia, leukemia, or vasculitis, can also manifest with petechiae. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and NSAIDs, may also cause petechiae as a side effect. Petechiae from these causes are often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, unexplained bleeding or bruising, joint pain, or shortness of breath.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some petechiae are harmless, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if these spots appear without a clear minor cause, or if they persist. Prompt medical evaluation is especially important if petechiae appear suddenly, spread rapidly, or become widespread.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if petechiae are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include fever, confusion, dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, or unexplained bleeding from other parts of the body. In children and infants, petechiae with a fever or signs of illness often warrant immediate assessment, as this combination can signal a serious infection like meningitis.