What are petechiae?

RealAge

Petechiae are tiny, flat purple or red spots on the skin, caused by broken blood vessels and bleeding under the skin. Each spot is about the size of a pin prick, and can be due to a number of health conditions, including:

Straining (for example, while coughing or lifting something heavy)
Injury
Weak blood vessels due to aging
Blood clotting or bleeding disorders
Other diseases or illnesses
Some medications

The cause of these spots can range from a relatively minor sunburn to a more serious injury or infection, so it's important to talk to your doctor if:

They occur suddenly
You're not sure what caused them
They don't go away"

Continue Learning about Skin Disorders

Richard G. Shugarman, MD

Something is causing an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. Switch brands, preferably to a ...

Dr. Jeanne Morrison, PhD

Paresthesia is a treatable disease and can be cured. An appropriate treatment for paresthesia depend...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

If you have a Spitz nevus, talk to your dermatologist about the best way to wash your skin. He o...

Dr. Lawrence T. Chiaramonte, MD

Nonallergic hives or nonallergic urticaria are those types of urticaria where a clear-cut allergic b...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Skin Disorders

Skin disorders affect people of all ages. Rashes, cysts, breakouts, redness and blisters all can be symptoms of conditions as varied as hives, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and acne. Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about any lasting symptoms to find the appropriate treatment. A doctor also can recommend the proper therapy for conditions like brown spots, spider veins, and fungal infections.

Learn More