Petechiae are tiny spots on your skin. They can appear on your legs, arms, buttocks, stomach, and sometimes in your mouth and on your eyelids as well. Petechiae are bleeding under the skin, though they appear like a rash.
Petechia’s causes cannot be pinpointed. It could be due to certain medications, injuries, or infections. You can confirm whether the rash-like appearance on your skin is petechiae or not by pressing the spot. If it is petechiae, the spot will not change colour.
Petechiae Causes
There are various causes of Petechiae. Some of the conditions that cause petechiae are:
1. Injuries
A blunt force like hitting, biting, or a car accident can cause petechiae. Carrying heavy bags or wearing clothing with a tight strap causes friction against the skin. This friction can also be one of the petechiae causes.
2. Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that is the aftermath of a strep or sore throat. Red lines on the skin, flushing of the face, red tongue, and a rash are the other classic symptoms of scarlet fever
3. Scurvy
Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy. Other signs of this condition are fatigue, joint pain, swollen gums, increased heart rate, and breathing trouble.
4. Straining
Coughing, vomiting, crying, lifting weights, etc. can cause a lot of strain which may tear the blood vessels in your neck, chest, and face.
5. Vasculitis
The characteristics of vasculitis are narrowing, swelling, and scarring of the blood vessels. Headache, fever, weakness, weight loss, sweating at night, nerve issues, aches, and pains are other signs of the condition.
6. Side-Effects of Medications
Petechiae causes can also be the side effects of medications like antidepressants, antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, blood thinners, sedatives, heart rhythms drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Petechiae Treatment Options
There is no cure for petechiae as such. However, it can be treated. The petechiae treatment options depend on the underlying cause of the issue. If the petechiae is due to some bacterial infection, the spots will clear up as soon as the infection subsides. Similarly, if it is because of some medications you are on, it will disappear once you stop the medication.
However, if the number of spots increases over time, then it indicates a bleeding disorder. Consult your doctor if you notice an increase in spots. Your doctor will recommend treatment only on identifying the cause of petechiae. The treatment options could be any of the following, depending on the diagnosis.
- Corticosteroids, if caused by inflammation
- For bacterial infection, you will be suggested antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Radiation, chemotherapy, or biological therapy to treat cancer
- Adequate rest, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, and consuming lots of fluids to keep yourself hydrated are some of the home remedies you can try.
Preventive Measures for Petechiae
Avoid any cause that results in petechiae. For instance, if overexposure to the sun is one of the causes, you can either avoid stepping out in the sun or wear proper gear while stepping out. However, all causes cannot be avoided. Some of the causes that can be avoided are:
1. Keep your doctor informed about earlier medications that affected you. Your doctor will avoid prescribing the drug for you in the future.
2. To avoid infections, take the following precautions:
- Keep away from people who appear sick
- Do not share personal items
- Have safe sex
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash your hands with mild soap often
- Clean common surfaces and countertops before using them
- If you are out in grassy areas, always apply an insect repellant. Also, wear long-sleeved tops and full-length pants. Check for ticks when you return.
Complications Associated with Petechiae
Petechiae in itself does not lead to complications. They subside gradually and do not leave any scars. However, some of the conditions leading to petechiae can result in complications like heart problems, infections in other parts of your body, and damage to the liver, spleen, kidney, and other organs of your body.
When to See a Doctor?
Some underlying causes of petechiae can be really serious and can be ascertained only after a diagnosis. If you suspect that you or your child has petechiae, see a doctor immediately, especially if you have the following symptoms
- Confusion
- Breathing trouble
- High Fever
- Change in mental state
Conclusion
Petechiae are small spots on your skin caused by the breakdown of blood vessels. Injuries, infection, and several health conditions can be causes of petechiae. See a doctor if you feel you have petechiae since identifying the cause and treating it is crucial to avoid serious complications.
