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What Are the Most Common Causes of a Petechial Rash?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A petechial rash consists of small marks on the skin created by broken blood vessels. It can be caused by an assortment of things, both benign and serious. When a patient develops this kind of rash, it is important to take note of associated symptoms like fever, confusion, or bloody urine, as these can indicate whether the problem is serious. It may be necessary to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.

One very common reason to have a petechial rash is trauma. People can develop marks on their faces after crying or coughing heavily, for example, and such rashes sometimes occur along with bruises after heavy blows. Tight clothing or restraints like handcuffs can also damage capillary blood vessels and lead to a rash.

A petechial rash may develop on a person's face after crying heavily.
A petechial rash may develop on a person's face after crying heavily.

Some bacterial and viral infections cause this type of rash. These can be serious, and may lead to symptoms like fever as well. The sudden onset of small spots on the skin accompanied by high fever may require immediate medical attention, especially if the patient is also exhibiting gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms. Rocky mountain spotted fever, hantavirus, and hemorrhagic fevers, for example, can cause this type of skin outbreak.

Coughing heavily may cause the appearance of a petechial rash.
Coughing heavily may cause the appearance of a petechial rash.

Blood disorders and vasculitis are other potential causes of petechial rash. Patients with known clotting disorders may develop rashes periodically, or the rash could be a symptom of a condition like leukemia or a disease that causes a drop in platelets. Blood vessel irritation may also lead to fragility in the capillaries, which creates a rash, especially on the legs.

Trauma to the face may lead to the development of a petechial rash.
Trauma to the face may lead to the development of a petechial rash.

Some medications can also cause rashes, including a petechial rash. These may be discussed in the warnings about side effects. Patients who notice a rash after they start a new medication or change their dosage can bring it up with a care provider to determine if it is a cause for concern or a sign of a bad reaction. Additional symptoms can provide additional clues to shed light on the situation. Another potential cause of petechial rash is lupus, an autoimmune disorder where the body starts attacking itself.

A petechial rash may occur as a result of wearing tight clothing.
A petechial rash may occur as a result of wearing tight clothing.

When the signs of petechial rash develop in children, it can be a cause for concern, as it may be linked with viral or bacterial infection. Parents may want to consider the site of the rash and any contributing factors; for example, a chest rash might be the result of a car seat restraint that is buckled too tight. If they’ve ruled out benign causes, or the patient also has a fever, disorientation, and other signs of distress, a nursing hotline can evaluate the patient over the phone to determine if immediate care is needed. Patients of any age should go to an emergency room if they have high fevers, an altered level of consciousness, or extreme behavioral changes.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon324654

I have this rash after a physical altercation, where hands were placed around my throat. What can I do to make the rash heal faster?

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    • A petechial rash may develop on a person's face after crying heavily.
      By: iordani
      A petechial rash may develop on a person's face after crying heavily.
    • Coughing heavily may cause the appearance of a petechial rash.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Coughing heavily may cause the appearance of a petechial rash.
    • Trauma to the face may lead to the development of a petechial rash.
      By: bertys30
      Trauma to the face may lead to the development of a petechial rash.
    • A petechial rash may occur as a result of wearing tight clothing.
      By: GoodMood Photo
      A petechial rash may occur as a result of wearing tight clothing.
    • A petechial rash on children may be the result of a car seat restraint that is buckled too tight.
      By: Joanna Zielinska
      A petechial rash on children may be the result of a car seat restraint that is buckled too tight.
    • Medical attention should be sought for a petechial rash that is accompanied by fever.
      By: Syda Productions
      Medical attention should be sought for a petechial rash that is accompanied by fever.
    • Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is spread by ticks, causes a petechial rash.
      By: Carolina K Smith MD
      Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is spread by ticks, causes a petechial rash.
    • Handcuffs can cause a petechial rash.
      By: jinga80
      Handcuffs can cause a petechial rash.
    • Petechial rashes are characterized by small marks on the skin.
      By: defun
      Petechial rashes are characterized by small marks on the skin.
    • A petechial rash can be caused by both benign and serious conditions.
      By: librakv
      A petechial rash can be caused by both benign and serious conditions.