MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Petechiae: Pinpoint flat round red spots under the skin caused by intradermal hemorrhage (bleeding into the skin). Petechiae are red because they contain red blood that has leaked from the capillaries into the skin. Petechiae are quite tiny (less than 3 millimeters in diameter) and do not blanch when pressed upon.
There are many conditions in which petechiae may be seen. These conditions range from very minor to very major. The common causes of petechiae include local injury and trauma , allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, viral infections that impair blood coagulation (clotting), thrombocythemia (an abnormally high platelet level), certain medical treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy , idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP ), leukemia and other bone marrow malignancies that may lower the number of platelets, and sepsis (bloodstream infection). Petechiae are normally seen right after birth in the newborn and after violent vomiting or coughing. Drugs such as the anticoagulants warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin , aspirin, and cortisone can also cause petechiae.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
