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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Petechiae or not?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
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Petechiae or not?
by napereira, Jun 23, 2005 12:00AM
Hello,
I am 30 year old male. A few weeks ago I went to the ER because I had little red dots on my legs, feet and back. They looked like petechiae. In the past I had platelets that were on the lower side, but docs never thought it was a problem. The ER doctor said he needed to run a cbc with platelet and some clotting tests PPT, and PT and something else I forget. Anyway, my platelet count came back normal at 184000. The rest of my cbc was fine, all normal - and my clotting tests were normal. I am an admitted hypochondriac and have been worried about leukemia or some other disease. I know petechiae can be a symptom. I haven't been able to sleep and its interfering with my life. The doctor said that the reason some leukemia patients get petechiae is because their platelets are low, since mine are not low, they're normal, there's no connection. This sounds reasonable, but I cannot seem to stop convincing myself I have some awful disease. He said it could be from an allergic reaction to medication or some other benign cause. They have been fading slowly, and I am much better however I still see some appear and disappear. Doctor, can I be assured this is not related to leukemia or blood disease? Did the doctor miss something? I'm VERY worried.. thank you.
I am 30 year old male. A few weeks ago I went to the ER because I had little red dots on my legs, feet and back. They looked like petechiae. In the past I had platelets that were on the lower side, but docs never thought it was a problem. The ER doctor said he needed to run a cbc with platelet and some clotting tests PPT, and PT and something else I forget. Anyway, my platelet count came back normal at 184000. The rest of my cbc was fine, all normal - and my clotting tests were normal. I am an admitted hypochondriac and have been worried about leukemia or some other disease. I know petechiae can be a symptom. I haven't been able to sleep and its interfering with my life. The doctor said that the reason some leukemia patients get petechiae is because their platelets are low, since mine are not low, they're normal, there's no connection. This sounds reasonable, but I cannot seem to stop convincing myself I have some awful disease. He said it could be from an allergic reaction to medication or some other benign cause. They have been fading slowly, and I am much better however I still see some appear and disappear. Doctor, can I be assured this is not related to leukemia or blood disease? Did the doctor miss something? I'm VERY worried.. thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 23, 2005 12:00AM
, Jun 23, 2005 12:00AM
If the CBC and clotting tests were normal, it makes it less likely that a blood disease or leukemia is present.
Regarding the spots on the legs - I can't tell whether they are petichiae or not without seeing them. Typically petichiae don't blanche when pressure put on the lesion.
Here is a picture of sample petechiae:
http://medic.med.uth.tmc.edu/edprog/Path/infdis/infect59.jpg
I would discuss your concerns with your personal physician or in consultation with a dermatologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Regarding the spots on the legs - I can't tell whether they are petichiae or not without seeing them. Typically petichiae don't blanche when pressure put on the lesion.
Here is a picture of sample petechiae:
http://medic.med.uth.tmc.edu/edprog/Path/infdis/infect59.jpg
I would discuss your concerns with your personal physician or in consultation with a dermatologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
She suggested a biopsy and a blood test. I am glad to have found your site.