Petechiae (petechial rash) can appear on the skin in people of different ages. Since these small red dots do not hurt or become inflamed, they can be perceived by people as not a dangerous phenomenon. In most cases, the way it is, because the petechiae can eventually go away without leaving a trace. However, this kind of specific rash can be an alarming reason, requiring a diagnosis, and in some cases even calling an ambulance. It is worthwhile to find out when hemorrhage under the skin is an insignificant reaction of the body, and in which cases a hematoma is a sign of a serious illness.
Petechiae - minor hemorrhages under the skin
Petechial rash is a type of hemorrhage that occurs due to damage to the capillaries, the smallest vessels. A small amount of blood spreads under the skin, as a result of which a spot of round shape is formed, no more than 2 millimeters in size. The patient does not bother with such a rash. Moreover, sometimes petechiae arise for no apparent reason and in small quantities, so a person may not even notice their presence on the skin.
Distinctive feature
A characteristic feature of such hemorrhages is that when pressed, they do not disappear. When the rushing blood begins to move along the vessel when you click on the rash, this means that the redness is caused by the inflammatory process, and not by the rupture of the capillaries. If this is a petechial rash - it will not shift, does not turn pale, but remains under the skin.
Such hematomas do not hurt or become inflamed, these flat formations can remain on the body for a long time, even if the factor that provoked them has long been eliminated. They can change color over time from scarlet to red, and then to brown, but they will not change shape and size. But the fact that the pathological process is progressing is indicated by the appearance of massive bruising or new red dots. They occur on the body in the place of pressure, impact, and if there is a place to be strong tension, then on the face.
Subcutaneous hemorrhage
Capillary rupture occurs most often in older people, as the walls of blood vessels lose their elasticity with age, so the appearance of skin hemorrhages in small quantities is a natural physiological process. Against the background of drug treatment, damage to the walls of blood vessels may occur. Petechiae are sometimes observed in people who take the following types of drugs:
- penicillin antibiotics;
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- "Atropine";
- Indomethacin.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause spot hypodermic hemorrhages on the body. Often the presence of petechiae can be observed in drug-dependent patients.
Provocative factors
The causes of local subcutaneous hemorrhage on the arms, legs and other parts of the body can be:
- soft tissue damage due to shock;
- rubbing;
- in children, a rash may appear from the diaper;
- in adults - from uncomfortable shoes or tight clothing;
- crushing the skin, for example, if a tourniquet or tight bandage was applied.
Against the background of strong tension, blood pressure increases, the walls of the capillaries may not withstand this. For example, with a strong cough, scream or cry. Along with blood pressure, the appearance of a petechial rash can be affected by severe stress or heavy exercise.
Diseases as a cause
In the presence of a serious disease, the walls of the vessels weaken, they are often damaged, and most importantly, bruises of different sizes occur. Most often this applies to diseases that are associated with a change in the composition of the blood, for example, leukemia, aplastic anemia.
Thrombocytopenia is a disease associated with a decrease in platelets that are responsible for blood coagulation. With their deficiency, any wounds will heal longer, and in the worst case, bleeding, in general, cannot be stopped. Therefore, one of the first symptoms in this disease is the appearance of any type of subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Diseases in which blood coagulates poorly can also cause petechiae. In autoimmune diseases, the vascular system also suffers, since the immune system is disrupted, in which it perceives the cells of the body as foreign and begins to attack them. Against the background of such a pathology, inflammation develops, which destroys the walls of blood vessels.
Other pathologies in which hemorrhages occur:
- systemic lupus erythematosus ;
- spondylitis;
- scleroderma;
- hemorrhagic vasculitis.
Also, an infectious disease can lead to vascular condition, which leads to rupture of capillaries. Petechiae are often observed against the background of diseases such as:
- scarlet fever;
- endocarditis;
- enterovirus infection;
- angina;
- mononucleosis.
A deficiency of vitamins K and ascorbic acid can lead to subcutaneous bruising.
Diagnostics
The doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis based on the data that he received during the conversation with the patient and a general examination. To confirm the alleged disease, he orders a test and uses instrumental methods. Only after diagnosis, the doctor will say how to treat subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Standard tests include urine and blood donation. Instrumental diagnostics is aimed at identifying the initial pathology. The patient is sent for:
- Ultrasound
- electrocardiography;
- CT
- MRI
- X-ray.
He also needs to consult a dermatovenerologist.
Therapeutic measures
Treatment of subcutaneous hemorrhage on the arms, legs and other parts of the body is aimed at reducing bleeding, stopping all pathogenesis aimed at eliminating the etiological factor and suppressing symptoms.
If there was a mechanical effect, it is necessary to use a cold compress, it will eliminate pain and reduce bleeding, this is due to vasospasm, which prevents the subsequent growth of rashes.
If an infection has developed, it is necessary to undergo therapy with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In each case, the drugs are selected individually.
Steroid and non-steroid medications are used to relieve inflammation.
To raise and stabilize immunity, a complex of biologically active substances is prescribed, which consist of nicotinic acid, tocopherol, retinol and vitamin C.
With proper diagnosis and timely treatment, the prognosis will be favorable. Complications will depend on the severity of the course of the disease and the type of pathology, because the consequences can vary from massive blood loss to death.