Petechiae

Petechiae, also called petechial hemorrhage or rash, are small red spots on the skin caused by broken capillary blood vessels. The blood collects under the tissue and appears as tiny dots (usually the size of a pinpoint).

They can come from coughing, vomiting or minor trauma. They may also develop due to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) which is the reason someone with leukemia may have them. Some medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, also cause petechial hemorrhage.



Kaden did not have a petechial rash at the time of his diagnosis but he did develop it during part of his chemotherapy treatment. This is a picture of what it looked like on his hand. He had it all over his body but mostly on his arms and legs. He developed some larger spots on his neck that were bigger than a pinpoint.

Although a petechial rash does not necessarily mean leukemia, you should see your doctor to determine the cause.

Some of the other causes are:

* trauma or injury
* autoimmune disorders
* infections
* some medications (Warfarin, Heparin are a few)
* events that cause an increase in pressure (coughing, vomiting, sneezing)
* illnesses that affect blood coagulation