Petechiae
You or your child has petechiae (peh-TEE-kee-eye). These are tiny (2 mm) dark red or purple spots on the skin. They are flat on the skin, not raised. They often show up very suddenly. They're often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. They may also be caused by a reaction to a medicine or a collagen disorder. They usually occur on the arms, legs, stomach, and buttocks. They don’t itch. Petechiae that continue to grow and blend together may be caused by a bleeding disorder.
Petechiae caused by an infection or medicine go away on their own without treatment. They don’t leave scars. Scattered petechiae with a fever may be the sign of a very serious infection that needs immediate medical care. If a bleeding disorder is causing the spots, the disorder will need to be treated. You or your child may need more testing for a diagnosis.
Petechiae may be a sign of a serious health condition. So they should always be looked at by a doctor.
Home care
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Follow any instructions your doctor gives you. This may include changing a medicine that you or your child takes. Don’t start or stop any medicines without talking with your doctor.
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Check the spots regularly for changes. The spots may turn purple as they fade and go away.
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Contact the doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your doctor, or as directed.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if:
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Your child has a fever (See "Fever and children" below).
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You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.
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The symptoms get worse.
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The spots increase or get bigger.
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The spots blend together.
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Long streaks appear under nails.
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Bruises get worse or new ones appear that can't be explained.
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Your child shows grouchiness, such as crying that can’t be soothed.
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You or your child becomes lethargic or abnormally sleepy, or does not act like normal.
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You or your child have breathing problems.
Fever and children
Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:
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Rectal. For children younger than 3 years old, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.
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Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.
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Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until they are at least 4 years old.
Use the rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel OK using a rectal thermometer, ask the doctor what type to use instead. When you talk with any doctor about your child’s fever, tell them which type you used.
Below are guidelines to know if your young child has a fever Your child’s doctor may give you different numbers for your child. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
First, ask your child’s doctor how you should take the temperature.
For a baby under 3 months old:
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Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
For a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):
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Rectal or forehead: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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Ear (only for use over age 6 months): 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
In these cases:
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Armpit temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child of any age
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Temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor