Petechiae: What causes it?

What causes petechiae?

- No name given / Illinois

Answer

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Petechiae

Petechiae are pinpoint-sized red dots under the surface of the skin. The dots are red because they contain blood that has leaked from tiny blood vessels (capillaries) into the skin. Petechiae may be an indication of a serious underlying problem that requires medical evaluation.

A common cause of petechiae is a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Platelets are blood cells that play an important role in blood clotting. Causes of a low platelet count include:

• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Viral infections, such as mononucleosis and measles (rubella)
• Side effect of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs
• Bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia
• Infection of your bloodstream (septicemia, or "blood poisoning")

Treatment of petechiae depends on the underlying cause. If you develop petechiae, see your doctor promptly.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rubella
• Mononucleosis
• Leukemia