Keep a distance from anyone who has an infection The best way to prevent petechiae is by avoiding the potential infections that cause them. If they’re caused by a more severe problem, the spots may spread and stay until the underlying cause is treated. How long do petechiae last?ĭepending on the cause, petechiae usually goes away within a few days. If your spots are caused by medication affecting your blood, your medication will be stopped. If the spots are caused by a more serious condition, a doctor can help to identify the underlying cause and may prescribe the following: Some people may not need treatment for petechiae because the spots go away themselves, or when their infection resolves. Speak to a doctor as soon as possible if this is the case. If you have petechiae or purpura across large areas of your body, this may be caused by a more severe condition. When these larger patches heal, they usually change colour and can become brown, orange, blue or green. They can sometimes be formed from groups of petechiae which have joined together. Purpura are also caused by blood leaking under the skin. Spots that appear larger than petechiae (which look like little pinpricks) and are red or purple are called purpura. What’s the difference between petechiae and purpura? If the doctor suspects you have a meningitis infection, you’ll be referred to urgent care. You will also be asked some questions about any current conditions or infections you may have. Whether the spots go white when a finger is pressed on your skin Petechiae is diagnosed by looking at your skin. Other conditions that may cause petechiae include: Group A streptococcus – a type of bacterial infection They can also be caused by infections, including:Ĭytomegalovirus – a common virus, closely related to the one that causes chickenpox You may have broken a capillary vessel because you have been straining. Petechiae can be caused by a number of things. Red, purple or brown – they can look like a bruise or rash They don’t lose colour when you press them. The key symptom of petechiae are little spots on the skin's surface. They can appear anywhere on the body and the cause can range from minor reasons to serious conditions. The bleeding happens under the skin and can sometimes look like a rash. This is why they appear red, purple or brown in colour. Capillaries are very small blood vessels that join an artery and a vein. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus.Petechiae are little spots that appear on your skin, caused by a small amount of bleeding from blood vessels called capillaries. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited without authorization. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M.
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