Petechiae are small purple or maroon to dark red colored spots on the skin, which are associated with sub-dermal or sub-mucosal bleeding caused by broken capillaries (small blood vessels). In most cases, petechiae are not a cause of concern and usually resolve without any medical treatment. Petechiae are fairly common within the general population, however it is more frequently observed in patients with platelet or coagulation disorders.
Usually petechiae refer to spots that are smaller than a few millimeters in size, however in some cases; several petechiae spots may merge, resulting in a large spot which is more than a few centimeters in diameter (referred to as purpura) or covering an ever larger area (referred to as ecchymosis).
The most characteristic feature of petechiae spots is that they don’t blanch on pressure nor are they palpable. These spots are more frequently observed around the feet and the ankles, though they may be present around the face and neck. Petechiae spots are not found under the sole of the feet because they are protected by fatty tissue.
Causes Of Petechiae
Certain factors can trigger development of petechiae; while some factors predispose a person to develop this condition.
- Direct trauma or injury resulting in damage to capillaries.
- Sudden increase in abdominal or cranial pressure caused by sneezing, laughing, vomiting or straining at stools.
- Thrombocytopenia i.e. low platelet count.
- Autoimmune disorders
- Aging skin
- Certain medications like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.
- Leukemia or cancer patients on radio or chemo therapy.
- Bacteremia or septicemia associated with an infection.
Several tests are performed in order to identify the exact cause of the condition, since the treatment regimen would depend upon the underlying cause. These investigations include bleeding time, prothrombin time, Partial thromboplastin time and platelet count. In addition full blood count is performed to measure the proportion of the different blood cells.
How To Prevent And Treat Petechiae Naturally?
In most cases, petechiae resolve within a couple of days without any treatment, however here are some tips that may be helpful in preventing formation of petechiae spots,
- Avoid lifting heavy weights or straining while passing stools. These activities can lead to increased internal pressure, causing damage to capillaries and lead to bleeding.
- Avoid excessive intake of foods like onions, garlic, etc. These foods are natural blood thinners and delay the process of coagulation, increasing the risk of formation of petechiae.
- Check with your physician if petechiae are the side effects of some of the medicine that you are consuming.
- A healthy skin care regimen is important. Ensure that you apply walnut oil or avocado oil on the skin to improve its texture and elasticity. Loose and aging skin is more prone to petechiae than a healthy skin.
- Vitamin K supplementation, either orally or intramuscularly, can improve coagulation ability of the blood or thereby prevent petechiae marks.
Here are some simple natural treatment options for the management of petechiae spots or marks on the skin,
- Local application of ice packs around the site of the injury can help prevent petechiae stops on the skin.
- Homeopathic drug Arnica Montana is considered very useful in dealing in hemorrhage spots and petechiae.
- Dandelion roots help improve liver functions and thereby improve the coagulation properties of the blood, thereby prevent occurrence of petechiae spots.