Petechial hemorrhage is a type of bleeding under the skin that can be caused by injuries, medication, or serious illnesses. It creates a pattern of small red dots and can be mistaken for a rash. Prevention includes reducing household clutter and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
A petechial hemorrhage is a bruise-like type of bleeding under the skin that has causes ranging from simply hitting a shin on the edge of a coffee table to serious illness that requires medical attention. Unlike a typical bruise, a petechial hemorrhage creates a pattern of small red dots called petechiae. This condition can be mistaken for a rash, although it does not produce the chronic itching, blistering, and swelling that often accompanies a rash.
Injuries are among the least serious causes of a petechial hemorrhage. Women are more likely than men to develop bruising of the skin after an injury, although genetics also play a role in determining how easily a person bruises. The intense journey from the uterus during a vaginal birth can also cause these bleedings as pressure is placed on the delicate skin of the newborn.
After a bump or blow, bleeding occurs under the skin. For older adults, even a small bump can cause this type of damage as aging capillaries become prone to ruptures and thinning skin loses the protective fatty layer that once helped protect blood vessels. Depending on the severity of the injury, the bleeding usually goes away within a short period of time as the body reabsorbs the blood.
Another minor cause of a petechial hemorrhage is medication. Some medications, such as aspirin and warfarin, thin the blood and reduce clotting. Herbal medications can also affect clotting, increasing a person’s chances of developing bruises and petechiae. Before taking herbal medicines, people should always discuss side effects with a doctor or pharmacist.
The disease is among the most serious causes of petechial hemorrhage. Lupus, leukemia, and multiple myeloma are some examples of conditions that cause these bleedings. In most cases, however, other symptoms also exist, and those symptoms — not the petechial hemorrhage — are typically what prompt a person to seek treatment.
For example, a person who has lupus may experience joint pain, vision problems, and bouts of diarrhea. Early signs of leukemia include high fever, infection, swelling in various parts of the body, and bleeding from the nose or gums. Bone pain, chronic fatigue, and shortness of breath are indicative of multiple myeloma. If these symptoms occur, especially in combination with petechiae, a person should see a doctor. Doctors usually take a medical history, do a physical exam, and evaluate blood tests to determine the cause of a petechial hemorrhage.
Petechiae as a symptom of the disease may not be curable without also treating the underlying disease, but injury-related petechial bleeds can be prevented. Recommendations to prevent such injuries include reducing household clutter and removing items that can cause bruising accidents. People are also advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun which can further damage the skin.
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