Petechiae Type Lower Leg Rash

My 8 month old son has been suffering from an odd petechiae like rash on his lower left leg since the day after receiving his 2 month vaccinations.  He never ran a fever or showed any signs of discomfort associated with the rash and it was something that our family practitioner had never seen.  So, he referred us on to a pediatric dermatologist.  Although the rash fades, it never completely goes away.  Unfortunately on the day that we got in to see the dermatologist it had faded.  He said that it was something that he thought he would simply grow out of and that we shouldn't worry since he was otherwise healthy.  Since then the rash has gotten progressively worse every time that it reappears.  It tends to flare up when he has a cold or diarrhea.  Has anyone else out there had a similar situation or have any advice?  Thanks for your help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Petechiae are red or purple spots on the body, caused by a minor hemorrhage from capillaries. In children, petechiae without fever can occur after trauma or a viral infection. However in your child, since petechiae are occurring quite frequently it is better to consult a hematologist and get the bleeding and coagulation profile done.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.