Table of contents:
- What causes petechiae?
- 1. Prolonged tension
- 2. Reactions from certain drugs
- 3. Infectious disease
- 4. Injury and sunburn
- When to see a doctor?
- Are there any complications associated with petechiae?
- How to deal with petechiae?
Petechiae are rashes or small red or purple spots that appear on the skin. This red rash usually appears on your arms, legs, stomach, and buttocks. It can also appear in your mouth or on your eyelids. Know the causes of the following petechiae.
Even though petechiae is a rash, it's actually caused by bleeding under the skin. The difference between petechiae and rashes is that the rash is not raised or even flat, and when pressed there will be no discoloration of the rash.
What causes petechiae?
Petechiae occur when small blood vessels (capillaries) burst. When capillaries burst, blood leaks into your skin. Infection and reactions to drugs can also cause this condition. In addition there are several conditions that may cause this red rash, including:
1. Prolonged tension
Small petechiae on the face, neck and chest can be caused by prolonged tension during activity. For example, when crying, coughing, vomiting, and lifting heavy weights.
2. Reactions from certain drugs
Certain medications have also been linked to the appearance of petechiae. Medications that can cause this condition as a side effect include antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, blood thinners, heart rhythm drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and sedatives.
3. Infectious disease
Petechiae may be caused by a number of fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Some of these diseases include cytomegalovirus (CMV), endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart), meningococcemia, mononucleosis, rocky mountain spotted fever, dengue fever, sepsis, and sore throat.
Other diseases that cause it include vasculitis (swelling of blood vessels), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), leukemia, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), and vitamin K deficiency.
4. Injury and sunburn
Injuries that involve blood clots can cause petechiae on the face and eyes. Bites and punches can also cause this condition. Burn injuries can result in a red rash on the face, neck, and chest. Excessive sun exposure can sometimes cause a red rash due to this condition.
When to see a doctor?
Some of the main causes of petechiae can be serious and need to be treated. If you or your child has this condition, contact the doctor immediately. It's hard to tell if you have mild or serious symptoms, so you need to check with your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Also, if you experience symptoms such as loss of consciousness, confusion, high fever, severe bleeding, or a severe headache along with the appearance of red spots, call your doctor immediately. This can be a sign of a severe or life-threatening condition.
Are there any complications associated with petechiae?
Petechiae have no associated complications, and once the red spots subside, they won't cause any scars.
However, if this condition is a symptom of a certain disease, several complications may occur, including:
- Damage to the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, lungs, or other organs.
- Various heart problems.
- Infections that can occur in other parts of the body.
How to deal with petechiae?
Before giving treatment, your doctor will check what causes you to have petechiae and other symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe these medicines to treat the cause of the spots:
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Medicines that suppress your immune system such as azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex), or cyclophosphamide.
- Chemotherapy, biological therapy, or radiation to treat cancer
You can also do home remedies to relieve symptoms, namely by resting and taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Drinking enough water and drinking additional fluids to prevent dehydration can also be done to relieve symptoms.
