7/23/2019 Petechiae

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Petechiae: Pinpoint fat round red spots under the skin surace caused by

intradermal hemorrhage (bleeding into the skin). Petechiae are red because they

contain red blood that has leaked rom the capillaries into the skin. Petechiae are

quite tiny (less than 3 millimeters in diameter) and do not blanch when pressed

upon.

 There are many conditions in which petechiae may be seen. These conditions range

rom ery minor to ery ma!or. The common causes o petechiae include local in!ury

and trauma" allergic reactions" autoimmune diseases" iral inections that impair

blood coagulation (clotting)" thrombocythemia (an abnormally high platelet leel)"

certain medical treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy" idiopathic

thrombocytopenic purpura (#TP)" leukemia and other bone marrow malignancies

that may lower the number o platelets" and sepsis (bloodstream inection).

Petechiae are commonly seen right ater birth in the newborn and ater iolent

omiting or coughing. $rugs such as the anticoagulants wararin (%oumadin) orheparin" aspirin" and cortisone can also cause petechiae.