Introduction
Purpura and petechiae are the spots that are seen on the skin. A variety of discolorations can be seen on the skin due to a wide range of reasons. They may appear in groups or clusters, similar to a rash. Petechiae are the pinpoint spots on the skin that are mostly red in color, and purpura are the areas that show more purple color discoloration. Both of these skin disorders are flat discolorations seen on the skin.
What Are Petechiae?
Petechiae are the red, pink, or purple color patches that are seen just under the skin. They are smaller than two millimeters and usually flat. These petechiae are smaller versions of purpura, and they are sometimes called blood spots. These are formed when the capillaries break and the blood pools beneath the skin's surface. Similar to the purpura, the petechiae changes color as the body breaks down and absorbs the pooled blood. The color transitions from reddish to purple-brown, orange, blue, or green-colored spots that do not fade or change color under pressure. Petechiae develop in small clusters or in patches resembling a rash. They can spread over a large area of the skin or may be confined to a single area. Petechiae can occur around or formed along with the purpura.
What Is a Purpura?
Purpura is the name given to the discoloration of the skin or the mucous membranes due to the hemorrhage that is caused by the mucous or skin membranes. Purpura is pink, red, or purple colored patches seen just under the skin. They are larger than two millimeters. They can also develop under mucous membranes, such as those inside the nose or mouth. Purpura is formed when the tiny blood vessels in the capillaries burst and leak, causing the blood to pool beneath the underlying skin. They are called blood spots or skin hemorrhages, and they are usually flat and can be slightly elevated from the skin. Most purpura develops as rash-like clusters on a single area of the skin that may be larger. The larger the area affected, the more severe the underlying bleeding. Purpura clusters are not generally irritating or itchy. The spots are also non-blanched, which means the spots do not fade or the color gets changed under pressure as purpura heals. The body breaks down, and it absorbs the pooled blood and patches that change color. These changes can vary from reddish-purple to brown, orange, blue, or green spots. Purpura never represents a medical condition. Instead, they are the symptoms of medical conditions.
What Is the Difference Between Purpura and Petechiae?
The main difference between the purpura and petechiae is their size.
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Petechiae are very small in size, less than four millimeters in diameter.
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Purpura is a large area of bleeding under the skin surface that is typically between four and ten millimeters in diameter.
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Inflamed blood vessels cause localized and persistent purpura with erythematous inflammatory components. They can be palpable, but ecchymoses and external bleeding are uncommon.
Areas that are more than ten millimeters are referred to as ecchymosis, which is also called bruising.
What Are the Causes of Petechiae and Purpura?
Petechiae and purpura can be developed for many reasons, all with the underlying cause of bleeding from the broken blood vessel. Other causes of this skin discoloration include,
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Medications or drugs.
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Other medical conditions.
This discoloration may occur on any area of the skin, including the inner skin of the mouth.
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Trauma: If a person has some type of injury or accident, it can directly damage the blood vessel and cause the leakage of blood into the skin's surface. In some cases of straining, such as vomiting or childbirth, purpura formation might occur.
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Medications or Drugs: There are certain medications that can cause petechiae or purpura to develop. Such medications are associated with preventing the platelets from sticking together, which is more concerning when there is a chance of developing blood clots. Medications are listed below:
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Steroids.
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Warfarin.
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Some chemotherapy medications.
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Clopidogrel.
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Other Medical Conditions: Multiple medical conditions can lead to the development of petechiae or purpura. Some disorders may cause damage to the blood vessels or may have more complications associated with them, making bleeding more likely.
These conditions are typically due to
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Low platelet counts.
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Fragile blood vessels are associated with aging.
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Inflammation of the blood vessels.
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Thrombotic and thrombocytopenic purpura.
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Immune thrombocytopenia.
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Other cancers.
Various types of infections may also cause bleeding under the skin. Some of the infections may include the following.
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Sepsis - Infection in the blood or other tissues in the body.
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Cytomegalovirus infection.
How Are Petechiae and Purpura Diagnosed?
Petechiae and purpura are diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin to find the red, flat, or purple-colored areas. A health history and past medication history can be important to determine why purpura or petechiae was developed.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Petechiae and purpura are treated based on the individual's underlying condition, causing them to develop these skin discoloration. If the cause of this bleeding under the skin is trauma or accident, time is given to those blood vessels to heal by themselves. If they are caused due to severely low platelet counts, platelet transfusion is done. If petechiae or purpura were caused by the medications, withholding the medications may be necessary in order to prevent any further bleeding.
When Should One Consult a Doctor?
When petechiae or purpura develop, it is important to identify the underlying cause of these conditions. One should get worried and immediately consult the doctor when there is spontaneously increasing petechiae for an unknown reason or associated with any symptom of fever or severe fatigue or any more severe form of bleeding. It is necessary to seek medical care for treatment.
Conclusion
People with petechiae or purpura who were seen along with other additional symptoms should consult a doctor. In both types of discoloration, the underlying health condition requires treatment. Providing proper diagnosis and treatment reduces the risks of serious complications.
