Petechiae (petechial rash) can appear on the skin of people of all 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, this is true, because petechiae can disappear over time without leaving a trace. However, this kind of specific rash can be an alarming reason that requires a diagnosis, and in certain cases even an ambulance. It is worth finding out when a hemorrhage under the skin is a minor reaction of the body, and in which cases a hematoma is a sign of a serious illness.
Petechiae - small hemorrhages under the skin
Petechial rash is a type of hemorrhage that occurs due to damage to capillaries, the smallest blood vessels. Blood in a small amount spreads under the skin, resulting in a speck of a round shape, no larger than 2 millimeters. The patient is not bothered by such a rash. Moreover, sometimes petechiae appear for no apparent reason and in small quantities, so a person may not even notice their presence on the skin.
Distinguishing feature
A characteristic feature of such hemorrhages is that they do not disappear when pressed. When, when you press the rash, the rushing blood begins to move through the vessel, this means that the redness is caused by an inflammatory process, and not by any means of capillary rupture. If it is a petechial rash, it will not shift, will not turn pale, but will remain under the skin.
Such hematomas do not hurt and do not 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 do not change shape and size. But the fact that the progression of the pathological process is taking place is indicated by the appearance of massive bruises or new red dots. They appear on the body in the place of pressure, impact, and if there is a strong tension, then on the face.
Category of persons prone to subcutaneous hemorrhages
Rupture of capillaries occurs most often in older people, since with age the walls of blood vessels lose their elasticity, so the appearance of skin hemorrhages in a small amount is a natural physiological process. Against the background of drug treatment, damage to the walls of blood vessels may occur. Petechiae are sometimes seen in people who take the following types of drugs:
- penicillin antibiotics;
- "Heparin";
- "Warfarin";
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- "Atropine";
- "Indomethacin".
Chemo- and radiation therapy can also become the cause of spot subcutaneous hemorrhages on the body. Often the presence of petechiae can be observed in drug addicted patients.
Provoking factors
Causes of local subcutaneous hemorrhage on the arms, legs and other parts of the body can be:
- soft tissue injury due to impact;
- rubbing;
- Children can get diaper rashes;
- in adults - from uncomfortable shoes or tight clothes;
- squeezing of the skin, for example, if a tourniquet or tight bandage has been applied.
Against the background of strong tension, blood pressure increases, the capillary walls may not withstand this. For example, with a strong cough, screaming or crying. Along with high blood pressure, severe stress or strenuous exercise can also contribute to petechial rash.
Disease as a cause
In the presence of a serious disease, the walls of blood vessels weaken, they are often damaged, and most importantly, bruises of various sizes occur. Most often this refers to diseases that are associated with changes in the composition of the blood, such as leukemia, aplastic anemia.
Thrombocytopenia is a disease associated with a decrease in platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. With their deficiency, any wounds will heal longer, and in the worst case,the bleeding is generally unstoppable. Therefore, one of the first symptoms of such a disease is the appearance of any kind of subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Diseases that cause poor blood clotting can also cause petechiae. In autoimmune diseases, the vascular system also suffers, as the work of 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 that cause hemorrhages:
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- spondyloarthritis;
- scleroderma;
- hemorrhagic vasculitis.
Also, the condition of the vessels can be affected by an infectious disease that leads to rupture of the capillaries. Petechiae are often observed against the background of diseases such as:
- scarlet fever;
- endocarditis;
- enterovirus infection;
- angina;
- mononucleosis.
Deficiency of vitamins K and ascorbic acid can lead to subcutaneous bruising.
Diagnosis
The doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis based on the data he received during the conversation with the patient and general examination. To confirm the alleged disease, he prescribes tests and uses instrumental methods. Only after the diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Standard tests include - urine collectionand blood. Instrumental diagnostics is aimed at identifying the initial pathology. Patient referred for:
- ultrasound;
- electrocardiography;
- CT;
- MRI;
- X-ray.
He also needs to consult a dermatovenereologist.
Therapeutic measures
Treatment of subcutaneous hemorrhage on the arms, legs and other parts of the body is aimed at reducing bleeding, stopping the entire pathogenesis, aimed at eliminating the etiological factor and suppressing symptoms.
If there was a mechanical effect, you must 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 develops, it is necessary to undergo therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics. In each case, drugs are selected individually.
Medications of both steroid and non-steroid types are used to relieve inflammation.
To raise and stabilize the immune system, 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.
