Viral infections (cytomegalovirus (CMV), endocarditis, and mononucleosis), Bacterial infections (meningitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, scarlet fever, and strep throat), Small blood vessel inflammation (Henoch-Schonlein purpura), Viral hemorrhagic fevers (dengue, Ebola, and yellow fever), Blood and immune disorders (leukemia, thrombocytopenia, and vasculitis), Reaction to medications (penicillin, quinine, seizure medications, blood thinners, antidepressants, NSAIDs, sedatives, and/or heart rhythm drugs), Drastic mood changes, especially in children, Regularly clean and disinfect countertops, doorknobs, and other surfaces, Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, Avoid too much sun exposure and wear sunscreen when you go outside, Discuss possible alternative medication options with your doctor if petechiae is a side effect of your current treatment, Don't share personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with others, Use an insect repellent when going to grassy or wooded areas, If you develop petechiae after vomiting or coughing violently, do what you can to avoid these activities. When a blood vessel bursts, a small amount of blood escapes from the vessel into the body. Petechiae alone arent life-threatening. Her goal is to share important information so people can make the best decisions about their vision health. Conditions that may cause petechiae include: Petechiae are a side effect of certain drugs. However, these symptoms of Petechiae go away with time. Mayo Clinic Staff. They can also indicate other health concerns if a person is sick. There are many different conditions that can cause petechiae to form, but they all involve some type of viral or bacterial infection or inflammation. Many factors contribute to the small blood vessel damage that leads to petechiae. They occur mostly on my stomach, though right now I have 2 on my stomach, 1 on my right leg, and 1 on my chest. 2010;81:735. www.aafp.org/afp. Should I be worried, and has anybody else experienced this? This can cause the capillaries under the skin to bleed. Ely JW, et al. DOI: What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding? This viral infection causes flu-like symptoms and breathing problems. Vitamin C: Vitamin C can help to boost the immune system and reduce the appearance of petechiae. Downes, A. J., et al. In some cases, petechiae may also be caused by medications or infections. We avoid using tertiary references. privacy practices. A rash will turn pale. Purpuric and petechial rashes in adults and children: Initial assessment [Abstract]. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Do white blood cells in urine always mean infection? Mayo Clinic Staff. Blood cancers, such as leukemia, can cause petechiae. I have another question now. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Red dots around the eyes usually arent a symptom of anything serious. Check the spots often to see if they change. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. They are caused by broken blood vessels that cause minor bleeding under the skin. Sathiasekar, A. C., et al. Factor X deficiency is a condition where there isn't enough of the protein factor X in the blood, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also lead to the formation of petechiae. They can be interpreted as Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, which requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. They may be present without any other signs of illness or injury. Petechiae are small, red, or purple spots on the skin that occur as a result of bleeding. They help to reduce inflammation and prevent the body from attacking healthy tissue. Last medically reviewed on April 26, 2019. Practicing relaxation techniques is one of the ultimate forms of self-care, and you're definitely worth the effort. BC Medical Journal. Stay informed and get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Some examples of this are coughing, vomiting, or straining for extended periods of time. There is a wide range of causes of petechiae. Lupus Science & Medicine. Hi, I'm just wonderingare you by any chance on Prozac? Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan for the condition or advise you to keep an eye on them, as they may disappear on their own. Purpura is larger and is the result of petechiae joining together. Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep) (adult and pediatric). Have you found anything out? Spots that spread quickly. Petechiae usually resolve on their own after about two to three days. Treatment will depend on what is causing the petechiae. Mayo Clinic Staff. This is a type of cancer that affects your blood as well as your bone marrow. There can be other causes, as well. Sometimes theyre in a group and may look like a rash on the skin. Red dots tend to develop under your eyes after drinking alcohol because of how alcohol affects the body. Petechiae - Drugs.com include protected health information. Petechiae is found among people with Stress and anxiety, especially for people who are female, 60+ old. They eventually go away on their own. Its important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause of petechiae, because the spots occur when your blood vessels bleed into the skin. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. Mayo Clinic Staff. Clean countertops, door handles and other high-touch surfaces frequently. A deficiency in vitamin K can also lead to petechiae. Petechiae: Causes. Sites of trauma can sometimes cause petechiae. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Could the fact that I did not have the CBC until the spots were fading make a difference? Our original studies have been referenced on 600+ medical publications including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. Infections that can cause petechiae include strep throat, meningitis, and Epstein-Barr virus. doctors say it's stress cause i have anxiety. Accessed March 10, 2015. CMV is an illness caused by a virus. Thank you so much for the helpful reply. Could they somehow be stress related? Its important to be able to recognize when your stress levels are getting too high and to know how to effectively deal with the stress in your life. The study analyzes which people have Petechiae with Stress and anxiety. ask you about your medical history, including: conduct any laboratory tests needed to diagnose the underlying condition. Physical abuse in children: Epidemiology and clinical manifestations. By definition they are small from 1-3 mm in size. Petechia. (2019). Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. See additional information. 10 Simple Ways to Clear Your Mind of Unwanted Thoughts. What are petechiae and what do they indicate? Does Stress Cause Petechiae? | LoveToKnow Health & Wellness A cherry angioma is a small, noncancerous tumor of small blood vessels. Nachman RL, et al.