They indicate bleeding into the skin and usually appear red, brown, or purple.
Petechiae often appear in clusters and may look like a rash.
They can happen to anyone, but are most common in children.
Hello World / Getty Images
In order for the spots to be considered petechiae, they must be smaller than two millimeters wide.
What Causes Petechiae to Appear?
Petechiae appear on the skin when yourcapillariesbleed.
When they leak blood into the skin or mucous membranes, petechiae appear.
There are several possible causes of petechiae, including straining, medications, infections, or other medical conditions.
Treatment for petechiae involves treating the underlying cause.
Petechiae may resolve on their own or may be a sign of a serious health condition.
Prevention
Petechiae are sometimes sparked by intense straining and often appear around theeyesor on the chest.
When petechiae are because of straining, they can be prevented by avoiding the actions that cause straining.
For example, petechiae can appear after straining to lift heavy weights.
To prevent petechiae, switch to lighter weights or stop working out when you feel tired.
Other activities that may lead to straining include coughing, vomiting, passing stool, andgiving birth.
Petechiae resulting from straining typically heal on their own without needing further treatment.
Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is required for several clotting factors.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that we can obtain through our diets.
If you are concerned that you have a platelet deficiency, known asthrombocytopenia, see your doctor.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies
Petechiae sometimes present with a viral infection.
Prescriptions
Petechiae may be due to certain prescription medications.
When this occurs, the only effective treatment is discontinuing the medication and finding a safe alternative.
Medications that may lead to petechiae include penicillin, phenytoin, and quinine.
Antibiotics
When a bacterial infection spreads to the bloodstream, petechiae may appear on the skin.
RMSF can quickly become life-threatening when left untreated.
Steroids
Petechiae sometimes occur when the blood vessels become inflamed.
This inflammation is known asvasculitisand can be because of a variety of factors.
Steroid therapy may be helpful in reducing swelling and reversing the petechiae.
Antivirals
Viral infections triggered by viruses likecytomegalovirus(CMV) can lead to petechiae.
These infections may require treatment with antivirals such as valganciclovir.
When petechiae present with a fever, its important to see your doctor right away.
This could be a sign of meningococcal disease, which can be deadly.
When platelets are low, bleeding is more likely.
Possible treatments include platelet transfusions, prescription steroids, and additional treatments as needed.
Chemotherapy
Blood cancers, such as leukemia, can cause petechiae.
Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy.
It should be noted that many cancer treatments also cause petechiae.
People with ITP may benefit from removing the spleen if steroids have been unsuccessful.
Some cases can be treated or prevented with lifestyle changes, while others may require surgical treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Petechiae are tiny dots on the skin that indicate bleeding from the capillaries.
The first step in treating petechiae is identifying the underlying cause.
Many cases of petechiae resolve on their own once the cause is addressed.
If you notice petechiae on your skin or mucous membranes like those in your mouth, see your doctor.
If you develop a fever as well, seek treatment right away.
MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.
Cleveland Clinic.Bruises: types, causes, diagnosis, treatment & prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mono (infectious mononucleosis).
Harvard Health Publishing.Vitamin K.
American Heart Association.Heart valves and infective endocarditis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms | Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).
MedlinePlus.Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cytomegalovirus and congenital CMV infection.
