Pinpoint petechiae are round spots that develop on the skin due to bleeding. Generally, they are tiny bruises caused by damaged capillaries under the skin. It causes the petechiae becoming brown, red and purple. They form in clusters and looks like a rash. They are flat, does not change color when pressing on them and sometimes they can be seen in the inner surfaces of eyelids or the mouth.
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Petechiae can be a symptom of a serious condition and needs to be treated. This condition not treated properly can result to spread of infection, severe or uncontrollable bleeding, chronic poisoning and intracranial hemorrhage or bleeding inside the brain or skull.
Causes of pinpoint petechiae
- Excessive straining such as long periods of coughing or excessive crying
- Injury or direct trauma that damages the capillaries
- Vomiting
- Aging skin
- Straining while lifting heavy objects
- Medications for anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin
- Medications such as anaprox, Aleve and naprosyn
- Infectious diseases such as scarlet fever, mononucleosis, meningococcemia and strep throat.
- Scurvy or deficiency in Vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency
- Bacteremia or septicemia due to infection
- Leukemia or having radio or chemotherapy
- Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Accumulation of clotted blood below the skin or hematoma
- Excessive gum bleeding
- Unexplained nose bleeding
- Joint hemorrhage or hemarthrosis
- Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding
Treatment
- Treat underlying condition that causes the petechiae. Take the prescribed medications for the condition.
- Avoid trauma on older people where clotting of blood is less effective to prevent development of petechiae. Use cane or a walker for proper balance of body to prevent falls or injuries.
- Apply cold compress on the affected areas. Wrap ice pack using a towel or a washcloth and place it over the affected area for at least 15-20 minutes as long as it can be tolerated. The coolness lessens the inflammation and prevents development of peteciae in the future. Another alternative is soaking a clean washcloth in cool water and then place it on the area is also good for the condition.
- Make a paste by mixing 5 tablespoons of soda and coconut oil. Mix them well until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste on the affected skin for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes rub the paste from the area using a damp towel. Repeat this process for at least a week for best results. Baking soda is rich with whitening properties that helps eliminate red dots in the skin.
- Take the prescribed vitamin supplements that include vitamin B12 to prevent deficiencies due to peteciae, and vitamin C and quercetin to prevent development of rheumatoid arthritis or allergic reaction due to peteciae.
Tips
- Avoid lifting heavy weights or straining while having a bowel movement.
- Avoid excessive consumption of foods such as garlic and onions. They are blood thinners and increase the risk of developing petechiae.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/petechiae
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320597.php
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/petechiae/basics/definition/sym-20050724