Petechiae are tiny purple or red dots on the skin that occur as a result of damage to the blood capillaries beneath the skin (capillaries are the ends of blood vessels that form a microscopic web so that oxygen can be released from the blood into the tissues. In essence, petechiae are small bruises. Petechiae occur as a result of tension, which can cause capillaries to burst, is common and nothing to worry about. However, petechiae can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Therefore, it's a good idea to see a doctor if you have petechiae of unknown cause. You need to know that there's not much you can do about it. done to treat petechiae at home; the main way to treat it is to treat the cause, and not treat the petechiae itself.
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Part 1 of 2: Finding the Cause
Step 1. Look for minor causes
One of the causes of petechiae is tissue that is strained too much for too long. For example, coughing for a long time or crying to the point of choking can cause petechiae. You can also suffer from this condition due to vomiting or straining while lifting weights. Petechiae are also a common symptom experienced by mothers after giving birth.
Step 2. Check your medications
Certain medications can cause petechiae. For example, anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin can cause petechiae. Similarly, drugs in the naproxen family, such as Aleve, Anaprox, and Naprosyn, can also cause petechiae.
- Some other drugs that cause petechiae include quinine, penicillin, nitrofurantoin, carbamazepine, desipramine, indomethacin, and atropine.
- If you think any of the medications are causing petechiae, call your doctor immediately. He or she will be able to assess whether you can replace the related medication with another medication.
Step 3. Check for infectious diseases
Certain infectious diseases can also cause this problem. petechiae can range from bacterial to fungal infections, such as mononucleosis, scarlet fever, strep throat, meningococcemia, and a number of other less common infectious organisms.
Step 4. Look for other diseases or deficiencies
Petechiae can also be a symptom of other diseases that interfere with proper blood clotting, such as leukemia and other bone marrow cancers. This disease can also be caused by a lack of vitamin C (because both require good blood clotting).
You should be aware that some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause petechiae
Step 5. Get a diagnosis for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
This disease causes blood clotting disorders, by taking some of your platelets, which are found in the blood. Doctors do not know the exact mechanism that causes this condition so the term "idiopathic" is used (a word that indicates the cause is unknown).
This disease can cause petechiae and purpura because platelets normally work to block small droplets in blood vessels. When you don't have enough platelets, the blood can't repair its vessels properly, causing bleeding under the skin. This can cause small red dots, petechiae, or larger blood spots called purpura
Part 2 of 2: Taking Action
Step 1. Visit a doctor
If you are a healthy person who has had a new attack of petechiae for no apparent reason (you have never vomited, strained, or did anything that could cause the condition), you should see your doctor immediately. Although petechiae usually go away on their own if you don't have another disease, it's a good idea to find the underlying cause.
It is important to take your child to the doctor if he has petechiae for no apparent reason, or it has spread over most of his body
Step 2. Treat the underlying cause of the disease
If you have an infection or disease that causes petechiae, the best way to treat petechiae is to cure the disease. Your doctor can help you determine the best medication for your illness.
Step 3. Protect yourself if you are old
For elderly people whose blood clotting system is no longer effective, even minor trauma can cause petechiae. One way to avoid petechia for the elderly is to stay away from trauma. Of course, sometimes injury is unavoidable, but don't take unnecessary risks.
For example, if you are having trouble keeping your balance, you might want to use a cane or a walker
Step 4. Try a cold compress
This method can rule out petechiae from trauma, injury, or strain, but doesn't treat the underlying cause. Cold temperatures can help reduce inflammation and relieve petechiae later in life.
- Make a cold compress by wrapping an ice pack with a washcloth or towel and holding it on the petechiae affected area for 15-20 minutes, or less if you can't stand it. Do not apply the ice pack directly to the skin as this may damage the skin.
- You can also use a washcloth soaked in cold water and apply it to the petechiae area.
Step 5. Wait for the petechiae to heal
The main way to get rid of petechiae is to let them heal on their own. After treating the underlying cause, the petechiae should begin to disappear.
