Petechiaeare tiny red or purple dots that don’t turn white when you press on them.
They can be sparked by infections, certain medications, and vitamin deficiencies.
Petechiae is not a condition but a symptom of another health problem.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Petechiae can have a number of causes, some of which can be serious.
If the spots disappear under pressure, they are blanching.
This means they arenot petechiae.
If the spots remain visible under the pressure of the glass, they are non-blanching.
This means they arelikely petechiae.
Blood Cancers
Cancer that affects the blood can causethrombocytopeniaor low platelet count.
Low platelet count can cause petechiae.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own cells.
Look for the rash on lighter areas like the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
It can also appear on the roof of the mouth or the inside of the eyelids.
Petechiae can also show up if you don’t have enough vitamin C in your diet (scurvy).
Deliberately inflicted injuries seen in cases of abuse may also cause petechiae.
When it is triggered by bacteria, it’s calledbacterial meningitis.
One symptom ofmeningococcal meningitisis a headache accompanied by a petechial rash, which is called a meningitis rash.
The meningitis rash is petechial.
At first, you might notice petechiae on the arms or other areas of the body.
These spots can blanch if you try the straightforward glass test.
However, as the rash becomes more pronounced, it will become non-blanching.
The meningitis rash can progress from petechial to apurpuricrash, which looks more like bruising than pinpricks.
The rash is common, but it does not always occur.
That said, meningitis is a serious disease that progresses quickly.
If you have a petechial rash paired with othermeningitis symptomslike headache or stiff neck, seek immediate medical attention.
As with meningitis, a sepsis rash can start with a pinprick appearance before progressing to look more bruise-like.
If you have petechiae or any other symptoms of sepsis, don’t wait to get medical attention.
If you or your child have this throw in of rash, get medical care immediately.
A healthcare provider can determine if a potentially dangerous infection is causing the rash and start the proper treatment.
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