Viral infections caused by viruses like cytomegalovirus CMV can lead to petechiae. These infections may require treatment with antivirals such as valganciclovir. This could be a sign of meningococcal disease, which can be deadly. When petechiae are caused by thrombocytopenia, they must be treated by addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
When platelets are low, bleeding is more likely. If you have been diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, your doctor will work with you to determine what is causing the low platelet levels. Possible treatments include platelet transfusions, prescription steroids, and additional treatments as needed.
Blood cancers , such as leukemia, can cause petechiae. If you or your child has been diagnosed with blood cancer, treatment will depend on your specific type of cancer and how advanced it is. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy.
It should be noted that many cancer treatments also cause petechiae. If your case of petechiae is due to low platelets, your doctor may recommend a splenectomy , where your spleen will be removed. Removing the spleen in a person with certain types of thrombocytopenia can increase the level of platelets in the blood. This is because the spleen filters the blood and sometimes traps platelets, keeping them from circulating in the blood and clotting the blood. People with ITP may benefit from removing the spleen if steroids have been unsuccessful.
The treatment for petechiae depends on their cause, and will look different for each person with this symptom.
Some cases can be treated or prevented with lifestyle changes, while others may require surgical treatment. If you have petechiae and a fever at the same time, talk to your doctor because it could be a sign of a serious infection.
Petechiae are tiny dots on the skin that indicate bleeding from the capillaries. The first step in treating petechiae is identifying the underlying cause. Many cases of petechiae resolve on their own once the cause is addressed. If you notice petechiae on your skin or mucous membranes like those in your mouth, see your doctor. If you develop a fever as well, seek treatment right away. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Bleeding into the skin. Updated May 25, Cleveland Clinic. Updated August 11, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About mono infectious mononucleosis. Updated September 28, Harvard Health Publishing. Talk to your doctor about the symptom so you can determine the underlying cause.
Several serious health conditions, as well as more minor conditions, can be the cause of the spots. If you have one of these rashes, you may have anemia. Here's how to recognize anemia rash and what you can do to treat it. Learn what causes petechiae, what they look like, and how to treat and prevent them. When a blood vessel bursts, a small amount of blood escapes from the vessel into the body. This blood may show up just beneath the surface of the skin.
A person with leukemia may experience rashes, bruising, and other skin symptoms. We explain why this happens and include pictures to help you identify…. If left untreated, a blood clot can reach your organs and cause potentially life threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or a….
A fibrinogen activity test is used to determine the level of fibrinogen in your blood. Learn more here. Bleeding diathesis means a tendency to bleed or bruise easily. Bleeding disorders often occur when blood doesn't clot properly. Learn about common…. Find out what to do in case of hemorrhage, or bleeding.
Discover how to recognize a medical emergency, the complications, and more. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs are a type of medication that is used to eliminate or reduce the risk of blood clots by helping prevent or break…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. When to See a Doctor About Petechiae. The most obvious difference involves size: petechiae are smaller than 2 mm, while purpura are larger.
Purpura may be petechiae that have spread and joined together, forming larger areas of discoloration. Both petechiae and purpura clusters tend to have rash-like appearances. Though the spots are often flat, they can be slightly raised. There are three types of purpura and petechiae:. A wide range of factors can cause purpura and petechiae to develop, such as:.
Several autoimmune conditions or health issues that cause irregular bleeding or affect blood clotting can cause purpura and petechiae. Among them are:. Many other medical conditions that can cause blood vessels to burst or leak can also cause purpura and petechiae, including:. Infections can also cause blood vessel damage and lead to purpura and petechiae.
Some of these infections and pathogens include:. The key to treating purpura and petechiae is to address the underlying cause.
This treatment may involve:. Purpura or petechiae resulting from minor injury often do not require medical attention, as they usually heal on their own.
If there is pain or swelling, the following may help:. Unexplained rashes of any kind require medical attention, especially in children. Seeking emergency care is crucial if a child has an unexplained rash and a fever. People who develop purpura or petechiae along with additional symptoms should also contact a doctor. Both types of discoloration have associations with underlying health conditions, many of which require medical treatment. Receiving a prompt diagnosis and treatment reduces the risk of serious complications.
It may pass on germs from the stool. Below are guidelines to know if your child has a fever. Was this helpful? Yes No Tell us more. Check all that apply. Wrong topic—not what I was looking for. It was hard to understand. It didn't answer any of my questions. I still don't know what to do next.
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