What are the possible causes of Petechiae?
Several things can lead to petechiae, ranging from simple and reversible causes to serious illnesses:
- Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection in the lining of the heart. Other signs include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and shortness of breath.
- Infection: Illnesses from bacteria, such as strep throat with scarlet fever, or Rocky Mountain Spotted fever (spread by ticks) can cause petechiae. So can viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus or hanta virus. Other signs of infection may include fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen glands and tonsils, body aches, nausea and vomiting.
- Injury: Damage to the skin can cause petechiae. Examples include a car accident, bite, friction on the skin or even sunburn.
- Leukemia: Leukemia is cancer in the blood and bone marrow. Other signs of this disease may include weight loss, swollen glands, easy bleeding or bruising, nosebleeds and night sweats.
- Medications: Some medications may cause petechiae, including certain antibiotics, antidepressants and medications that thin the blood.
- Mononucleosis: Also called mono, this viral infection is common among young people. It often causes fatigue, headache, sore throat, swollen glands and tonsils, and fever.
- Straining: When you strain, you can break blood vessels under the skin. Examples include when you’re throwing up, lifting something very heavy or giving birth.
- Thrombocytopenia: With thrombocytopenia, you have low levels of platelets, which help your blood clot. It may also cause easy bruising, bloody noses or gums, blood in pee or poop, and yellowish skin and eyes.
- Vasculitis: Vasculitis is inflammation (swelling) in the blood vessels. It also causes fever, headache, weight loss and nerve problems (pain, weakness or numbness).
- Viral hemorrhagic fevers: Viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola and Dengue fever make it hard for the blood to clot. Other symptoms may include high fever, easy bruising or bleeding, body aches and weakness.
- Vitamin C deficiency: When your body doesn’t get enough vitamin C, you can develop scurvy. Other signs include swollen gums, achy joints, easy bruising and shortness of breath.
