Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Diagnosis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Petechiaeare very small (pinpoint) red dots on the skin that form a skin rash due to an infection, allergic reaction, or other cause. These spots are especially common in children and may be found on the arms, legs, stomach, and buttocks. They also affect mucous membranes, such as in the mouth.
A petechial rash doesn’t itch. The small spots (less than 2 millimeters each) don’t have raised bumps, as is common withhives, though you may be able to feel them depending on the underlying cause.Causes of petechiae includestrep throat,mononucleosis, andendocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart.
This article explains petechiae and its possible causes, some of which are serious health issues. It explains how the skin rash and underlying cause are diagnosed and treated, and will help you to know when it may be important to contact your healthcare provider.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Symptoms of Petechiae
Petechiae are the result of bleeding from small blood vessels called capillaries under the skin. These breaks cause the spots to be red or brownish-purple in color. Characteristics of petechiae include:
After petechiae first appear, they may spread out and begin to blend together to form larger patches. This could indicate that a bleeding disorder is present.
Petechiae: Causes of the Tiny Red Dots on Your Skin
Causes of Petechiae
Petechiae may appear for many possible reasons. Healthcare providers must perform a thorough exam to evaluate and diagnose the underlying cause of petechiae.
Some of the most common causes of petechiae include:
Sudden strain, such as pushing during childbirth or forceful coughing, can cause capillaries to break and petechiae to form.
Causes of Skin Changes in Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis
What Medications Can Cause Petechiae?
Some medications that list petechiae as a possible side effect include:
Common medications that are known to cause petechiae include penicillin, the anti-seizure drug Dilantin (phenytoin), and quinine, a drug used to treat malaria.
Adverse Reaction to a Medication or Drug
How to Treat Petechiae
Treatment for petechiae depends on the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider will determine the cause through a thorough history and physical examination to understand when and how the skin rash started. They also may order diagnostic tests, such as blood samples, to find the cause.
Many times, no treatment is required, such as when a child is well after an observation period with no signs of infection, normal lab test results, and no spreading of the rash. In this instance, a healthcare provider will usually discharge the child to go home.
But when scattered petechiae are noted with a fever, it could be the sign of a very serious infection (such as meningitis) requiring intravenous antibiotic therapy and possibly hospitalization. Several other conditions that cause petechiae (such as a bleeding disorder) will require prompt diagnosis and medical attention as well.
Non-Blanching Rash: Causes and When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Petechiae?
Your healthcare provider will ask about other symptoms, like a cough or fever, as well as recent medical history, such as a nose bleed or injury. They’re likely to order tests that may include:
More tests may be ordered after the initial exam and lab tests help to narrow down the possible diagnosis.
Petechiae can be a sign of a serious condition, especially with other symptoms like a fever. If the skin rash is unexplained, you should contact your healthcare provider for their assessment.
When to Seek Emergency CareEmergency medical care should be sought immediately, especially for children, when a fever over 100.4 degrees occurs along with petechiae. If fever accompanies petechiae, it could indicate a serious infection.Also seek immediate care if the skin rash gets larger, spreads to other body parts, or includes long streaks that appear under the nails.Other symptoms that warrant emergency care include:Sudden change in emotion (such as inconsolable crying)Becoming very sleepyAny trouble breathing
When to Seek Emergency Care
Emergency medical care should be sought immediately, especially for children, when a fever over 100.4 degrees occurs along with petechiae. If fever accompanies petechiae, it could indicate a serious infection.Also seek immediate care if the skin rash gets larger, spreads to other body parts, or includes long streaks that appear under the nails.Other symptoms that warrant emergency care include:Sudden change in emotion (such as inconsolable crying)Becoming very sleepyAny trouble breathing
Emergency medical care should be sought immediately, especially for children, when a fever over 100.4 degrees occurs along with petechiae. If fever accompanies petechiae, it could indicate a serious infection.
Also seek immediate care if the skin rash gets larger, spreads to other body parts, or includes long streaks that appear under the nails.
Other symptoms that warrant emergency care include:
Keep in mind that petechiae can appear with chronic conditions or as a symptom of a serious and previously undiagnosed condition, such as kidney disease or leukemia (a blood cancer).In these cases, seeing a healthcare provider for early diagnosis and treatment may lead to improved outcomes.
Leukemia Rash Pictures and Symptoms
Summary
Petechiae are small, pinpoint red dots that form a skin rash but don’t itch. They are a symptom of another underlying condition. There are many causes of petechiae, from a simple skin abrasion to a serious diagnosis like meningitis or leukemia. Even certain medications you take may lead to petechiae.
Because there are so many possible causes, the petechiae need to be evaluated in the context of other symptoms, such as a fever that may suggest infection or a spreading rash associated with a bleeding disorder. Your healthcare provider may order tests to help diagnose and treat the condition that’s causing the petechiae.
Treatment will depend on the cause. In some cases, a child’s rash may simply require observation and comfort measures. In others, petechiae may be the sign of a potentially life-threatening condition that requires hospitalization and/or extensive care.
A Word From Verywell
Petechiae require prompt medical intervention to screen for medical emergencies but don’t assume the worst. Less than 10% of children with petechiae and fever are diagnosed with meningitis.Do keep in mind that acting quickly to seek professional medical advice can help to improve the prognosis (outcome) of any serious medical complications if they do occur.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, petechiae have been identified in adults diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection, but skin rashes are more common in children who test positive for COVID.Some COVID-related skin rashes affect the mouth as well.They’ve also been seen in reactions to COVID vaccines.Learn MoreSymptoms of COVID-19Both lymphoma and leukemia are types of blood cancers that can lead to skin rashes. Petechiae may be a symptom of some lymphoma types, including those that affect bone marrow.Contact your healthcare provider if you also experience bruising, recurrent infections, andanemia.Learn MoreRecognizing and Treating a Lymphoma RashIn rare cases, petechiae are a symptom of a genetic condition such as Bernard-Soulier syndrome, an inherited platelet (blood clotting) disorder.The skin rash also is associated with Fanconi anemia, a condition often diagnosed at birth that can lead to serious complications, including leukemia later in life.Learn MoreHow Fanconi Anemia Is Diagnosed
Yes, petechiae have been identified in adults diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection, but skin rashes are more common in children who test positive for COVID.Some COVID-related skin rashes affect the mouth as well.They’ve also been seen in reactions to COVID vaccines.Learn MoreSymptoms of COVID-19
Yes, petechiae have been identified in adults diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection, but skin rashes are more common in children who test positive for COVID.Some COVID-related skin rashes affect the mouth as well.They’ve also been seen in reactions to COVID vaccines.
Learn MoreSymptoms of COVID-19
Both lymphoma and leukemia are types of blood cancers that can lead to skin rashes. Petechiae may be a symptom of some lymphoma types, including those that affect bone marrow.Contact your healthcare provider if you also experience bruising, recurrent infections, andanemia.Learn MoreRecognizing and Treating a Lymphoma Rash
Both lymphoma and leukemia are types of blood cancers that can lead to skin rashes. Petechiae may be a symptom of some lymphoma types, including those that affect bone marrow.Contact your healthcare provider if you also experience bruising, recurrent infections, andanemia.
Learn MoreRecognizing and Treating a Lymphoma Rash
In rare cases, petechiae are a symptom of a genetic condition such as Bernard-Soulier syndrome, an inherited platelet (blood clotting) disorder.The skin rash also is associated with Fanconi anemia, a condition often diagnosed at birth that can lead to serious complications, including leukemia later in life.Learn MoreHow Fanconi Anemia Is Diagnosed
In rare cases, petechiae are a symptom of a genetic condition such as Bernard-Soulier syndrome, an inherited platelet (blood clotting) disorder.The skin rash also is associated with Fanconi anemia, a condition often diagnosed at birth that can lead to serious complications, including leukemia later in life.
Learn MoreHow Fanconi Anemia Is Diagnosed
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.emDocs.What’s that rash? An approach to dangerous rashes based on morphology.Thomas AE, Baird SF, Anderson J.Purpuric and petechial rashes in adults and children: initial assessment.BMJ. 2016;352:i1285. doi:10.1136/bmj.i1285Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.Clinical practice guideline: Fever and petechiae—purpura.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Drug-induced thrombocytopenia.Sathiasekar AC, Deepthi DA, Sathia Sekar GS.Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2015;7(Suppl 2):S827-9. doi:10.4103/0975-7406University Hospital of South Manchester NHS.Non blancing (petechial rash)—information for parents.Ranganathan D, John GT.Therapeutic plasma exchange in renal disorders.Indian J Nephrol. 2019;29(3):151-159. doi:10.4103/ijn.IJN_420_17Cammarata-Scalisi F, Girardi K, Strocchio L, et al.Oral manifestations and complications in childhood acute myeloid leukemia.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(6):1634. doi:10.3390/cancers12061634Barnetson L, Heaton PA, Palmer S, Paul SP.Petechial rash in children: a clinical dilemma.Emerg Nurse. 2016;24(2):27-37. doi:10.7748/en.24.2.27.s25Dinulos JE, Dinulos JG.Cutaneous coronavirus disease 2019 in children: a clinical primer for diagnosis and treatment.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2021;33(6):691-703. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000001076Iranmanesh B, Khalili M, Amiri R, Zartab H, Aflatoonian M.Oral manifestations of COVID-19 disease: a review article.Dermatol Ther.2021;34(1):e14578. doi:10.1111/dth.14578National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma: signs & symptoms.Khan OA, Raashid S, Asghar S, et al.Recurrent melena in a diagnosed case of Bernard Soulier syndrome.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2021;11(3):384-387. doi:10.1080/20009666.2021.1893145
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.emDocs.What’s that rash? An approach to dangerous rashes based on morphology.Thomas AE, Baird SF, Anderson J.Purpuric and petechial rashes in adults and children: initial assessment.BMJ. 2016;352:i1285. doi:10.1136/bmj.i1285Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.Clinical practice guideline: Fever and petechiae—purpura.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Drug-induced thrombocytopenia.Sathiasekar AC, Deepthi DA, Sathia Sekar GS.Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2015;7(Suppl 2):S827-9. doi:10.4103/0975-7406University Hospital of South Manchester NHS.Non blancing (petechial rash)—information for parents.Ranganathan D, John GT.Therapeutic plasma exchange in renal disorders.Indian J Nephrol. 2019;29(3):151-159. doi:10.4103/ijn.IJN_420_17Cammarata-Scalisi F, Girardi K, Strocchio L, et al.Oral manifestations and complications in childhood acute myeloid leukemia.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(6):1634. doi:10.3390/cancers12061634Barnetson L, Heaton PA, Palmer S, Paul SP.Petechial rash in children: a clinical dilemma.Emerg Nurse. 2016;24(2):27-37. doi:10.7748/en.24.2.27.s25Dinulos JE, Dinulos JG.Cutaneous coronavirus disease 2019 in children: a clinical primer for diagnosis and treatment.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2021;33(6):691-703. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000001076Iranmanesh B, Khalili M, Amiri R, Zartab H, Aflatoonian M.Oral manifestations of COVID-19 disease: a review article.Dermatol Ther.2021;34(1):e14578. doi:10.1111/dth.14578National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma: signs & symptoms.Khan OA, Raashid S, Asghar S, et al.Recurrent melena in a diagnosed case of Bernard Soulier syndrome.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2021;11(3):384-387. doi:10.1080/20009666.2021.1893145
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.emDocs.What’s that rash? An approach to dangerous rashes based on morphology.Thomas AE, Baird SF, Anderson J.Purpuric and petechial rashes in adults and children: initial assessment.BMJ. 2016;352:i1285. doi:10.1136/bmj.i1285Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.Clinical practice guideline: Fever and petechiae—purpura.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Drug-induced thrombocytopenia.Sathiasekar AC, Deepthi DA, Sathia Sekar GS.Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2015;7(Suppl 2):S827-9. doi:10.4103/0975-7406University Hospital of South Manchester NHS.Non blancing (petechial rash)—information for parents.Ranganathan D, John GT.Therapeutic plasma exchange in renal disorders.Indian J Nephrol. 2019;29(3):151-159. doi:10.4103/ijn.IJN_420_17Cammarata-Scalisi F, Girardi K, Strocchio L, et al.Oral manifestations and complications in childhood acute myeloid leukemia.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(6):1634. doi:10.3390/cancers12061634Barnetson L, Heaton PA, Palmer S, Paul SP.Petechial rash in children: a clinical dilemma.Emerg Nurse. 2016;24(2):27-37. doi:10.7748/en.24.2.27.s25Dinulos JE, Dinulos JG.Cutaneous coronavirus disease 2019 in children: a clinical primer for diagnosis and treatment.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2021;33(6):691-703. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000001076Iranmanesh B, Khalili M, Amiri R, Zartab H, Aflatoonian M.Oral manifestations of COVID-19 disease: a review article.Dermatol Ther.2021;34(1):e14578. doi:10.1111/dth.14578National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma: signs & symptoms.Khan OA, Raashid S, Asghar S, et al.Recurrent melena in a diagnosed case of Bernard Soulier syndrome.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2021;11(3):384-387. doi:10.1080/20009666.2021.1893145
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.
emDocs.What’s that rash? An approach to dangerous rashes based on morphology.
Thomas AE, Baird SF, Anderson J.Purpuric and petechial rashes in adults and children: initial assessment.BMJ. 2016;352:i1285. doi:10.1136/bmj.i1285
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.Clinical practice guideline: Fever and petechiae—purpura.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
Sathiasekar AC, Deepthi DA, Sathia Sekar GS.Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2015;7(Suppl 2):S827-9. doi:10.4103/0975-7406
University Hospital of South Manchester NHS.Non blancing (petechial rash)—information for parents.
Ranganathan D, John GT.Therapeutic plasma exchange in renal disorders.Indian J Nephrol. 2019;29(3):151-159. doi:10.4103/ijn.IJN_420_17
Cammarata-Scalisi F, Girardi K, Strocchio L, et al.Oral manifestations and complications in childhood acute myeloid leukemia.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(6):1634. doi:10.3390/cancers12061634
Barnetson L, Heaton PA, Palmer S, Paul SP.Petechial rash in children: a clinical dilemma.Emerg Nurse. 2016;24(2):27-37. doi:10.7748/en.24.2.27.s25
Dinulos JE, Dinulos JG.Cutaneous coronavirus disease 2019 in children: a clinical primer for diagnosis and treatment.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2021;33(6):691-703. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000001076
Iranmanesh B, Khalili M, Amiri R, Zartab H, Aflatoonian M.Oral manifestations of COVID-19 disease: a review article.Dermatol Ther.2021;34(1):e14578. doi:10.1111/dth.14578
National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma: signs & symptoms.
Khan OA, Raashid S, Asghar S, et al.Recurrent melena in a diagnosed case of Bernard Soulier syndrome.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2021;11(3):384-387. doi:10.1080/20009666.2021.1893145
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