Advertisement
Health TopicsBeauty and Personal CareSkin Disorders
question

What are petechiae?

RealAge
RealAge
answer
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

What causes hives?
What causes hives?
Hives are red, itchy, slightly raised or swollen welts that appear on the surface of the skin. They are also known as wheals, and by their clinical na...
Read More
Hidradenitis suppurativa: symptoms, severity, and stages
Hidradenitis suppurativa: symptoms, severity, and stages
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting about 1 percent of the United States' population. The first symptoms t...
Read More
Treatment options for difficult-to-treat chronic hives
Treatment options for difficult-to-treat chronic hives
Urticaria is the clinical term for hives—red, raised, itchy welts that form on the surface of the skin. Hives are classified as either acute or chroni...
Read More
What is a seborrheic keratosis, or SK?
What is a seborrheic keratosis, or SK? A seborrheic keratosis is a brown, black, or pale spot that l...
More Answers

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.