Petechiae are small red or purple patches of skin that develop when subcutaneous capillaries become damaged. Basically, they look like tiny bruises. Those caused by exertion are quite common and should not cause medical concern. However, they can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious health problem, so it's a good idea to see a doctor if petechiae develop for no apparent reason. Keep in mind that there is not much you can do to treat these unsightly microhemorrhages at home; the best way to cure them is to manage the factor that caused them and not to act on the petechiae themselves.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Look for the Cause
Step 1. Look for minor causes
One factor that induces the formation of petechiae is prolonged and excessive effort. For example, a long bout of cough or a particularly intense emotional cry may be responsible factors. Petechiae can also form due to retching or strain due to lifting weights. They are also quite common among women after childbirth.
Step 2. Evaluate your medications
Some medicines are responsible for the formation of petechiae. For example, blood thinners such as heparin and warfarin have them as side effects. The same happens with naproxen sodium medicines.
- The other (few) medicines that cause petechiae are quinine, penicillin, nitrofurantoin, carbamazepine, desipramine, indomethacin and atropine.
- If you think one of your medicines is responsible for these blemishes, talk to your doctor. He will be able to evaluate whether you must necessarily take that particular drug or if you can switch to something equivalent.
Step 3. Check for infectious diseases
Some pathologies can cause petechiae; practically any infection, from bacterial to fungal ones, can damage the capillaries and generate skin spots. Among the various diseases responsible are mononucleosis, scarlet fever, streptococcal pharyngitis and meningococcemia.
Step 4. Pay attention to other diseases or nutritional deficiencies
Petechiae also form for other health problems, such as leukemia. They can also be the result of a vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) or vitamin K.
It is worth remembering that some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can trigger the development of petechiae
Step 5. Obtain formal diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
This disease impairs clotting by reducing the number of platelets in the blood.
Platelets generally perform the function of sealing small lesions on the capillary walls. If you don't have enough, the blood can't close these openings properly and spreads to the subcutaneous layer. In this way, small red dots are formed - the petechiae in fact - or larger spots, called purples
Part 2 of 2: Knowing What to Do
Step 1. Go to the doctor
Generally, it is recommended that petechiae be referred to the doctor, especially if they are accompanied by unexplained bruising. Although they disappear by themselves if there are no other diseases, it is always better to understand if they have a particular etiology.
It is essential to take a child with petechiae to a pediatrician if there are no valid reasons that justify their presence or if they occupy a large area of the body
Step 2. Treat the underlying condition
If you have an infection or disease that causes these spots, your best bet is to treat the systemic cause. Your doctor will help you find the most suitable therapy for your specific case.
Step 3. Protect yourself if you are elderly
One way to prevent these spots is to avoid trauma, especially for people of a certain age. Of course, it's not always possible to prevent an accident, but don't take unnecessary risks.
For example, if you have trouble maintaining your balance, consider using a walking stick or walker
Step 4. Give cold packs a try
This remedy is only useful if the petechiae are caused by trauma, injury or exertion. Low temperatures reduce inflammation and the development of new spots.
- To make a cold pack, wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the area to be treated for 15-20 minutes or less if you can't resist. Never keep ice in direct contact with the skin, as it could damage it.
- You can also wet a cloth with cold water and then apply it to the spot affected by petechiae.
Step 5. Let the stains heal
The main method of getting rid of them is to wait for them to disappear on their own. Once the underlying condition is cured, the spots will gradually go away.
