Petechia is a tiny purplish red spot on the skin caused by capillary bleeding in the skin.


The most common cause of petechia is through physical trauma such as a hard bout of coughing, vomiting or crying which can result in facial petechiae, especially around the eyes. Petechias, in this instance, are completely harmless and usually disappear within a few days. Petechia may be a sign of thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts). They may also occur in circumstances when platelet function is inhibited (e.g., as a side effect of medications or during certain infections) or when excessive pressure is applied to tissue (e.g., when a tourniquet is applied to an extremity or with excessive coughing).


If unsure, petechia should always be quickly investigated. They can be interpreted as vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, which requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. Certain malignancies can also cause petechia to appear.


You may want to consult a dermatologist because he can more easily identify if the condition is petechiae or a similar looking but less worrisome rash.