Petechiae

[atytse]

Hi Docs and all,

Just this morning I noticed lots of tiny red, pin sized dots on my right arm (just the arm not hand nor the upper arm).  I immediately think of Petechiae and I went to a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.  He said lots of tiny blood vessels burst underneath but didn't think it's blood disorder problem since it's only on my right arm and I don't have any other symptoms.  I also mentioned that I was bitten by insect on the same arm last night and that had some flu like symptoms last week.

I also have a little history of radiation.  Took 178 mci radioactive iodine to cure thyroid cancer last year.  I know that anything over 200 mci can increase the chance of blood disorder so I'm just worried whether this is blood disorder or simply irritation caused by the insect bite.

My doc told me to wait and see if it spreads. If it does, then do a CBC.  I'm 20 and no other obvious symptoms except I guess tiredness.  No weight loss but weight gain.

Does this make sense?

[atytse]

Thanks for your reply.  I do not have any bleedgin gums, black stools etc.

My marks have faded quite a bit today which is great.  The only other symptom that persists is fatigue. Despite getting almost 10 hours of sleep, I'm still feeling tired.  Would it be anemia (what other symptoms would there be?)  I'm sure I'm getting enough thyroid hormone supplement as well.

Or perhaps it's a virus infection that hasn't cleared up?

Thanks

[PaulMD]

Hi.

The radiation that you received for your thyroid condition is unlikely to have caused any of these symptoms.

From what you have described, it is more likely that these petechial lesions came from the insect bite, since the insect saliva have natural anti-coagulants and can disrupt the integrity of small blood vessels.

I would agree with a watch and wait approach for now, but be sure to inform your doctor anything that you may experience (bleeding gums, black stools, etc.)

Regards.