Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Petechiae (puh-TEE-kee-ee) are pinpoint, round spots that form on the skin. They're caused by bleeding, which makes the spots look red, brown or purple. The spots often form in groups and may look like a rash. The spots are often flat to the touch and don't lose color when you press on them. Sometimes they appear on the inner surfaces of the mouth or the eyelids.

Petechiae are common and can be caused by many different conditions. Some may be very serious.

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May 26, 2023

See also

  1. Endocarditis
  2. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
  3. Leukemia
  4. Myelodysplastic syndromes
  5. Thrombocytopenia