Petechia

Hi I have petechia over my pelvic area on both sides and sometimes on my inner thighs and behind my knees, it started a few months ago and everytime I get it there's more and more, it usually fades within a day or two. I have tried to show my doctor but usually the spots have faded by the time I get the appointment, she says she thinks I have nothing to worry about but all I can find is luekemia and blood disorders and I'm really worried. Sometimes the area with petechia has a tiny little circle of dry skin but usually its just petechia. Please help me.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
A common cause of petechiae is a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Causes of a low platelet count include autoimmune disorders viral infections such as mononucleosis, side effect of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia and infection of the bloodstream.
I sincerely advise you to consult a hematologist and get your coagulation profile and liver function tests investigated. Without examination and investigations, diagnosis cannot be confirmed.

Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.