Is this petechiae ?

[moforox]

Hi Doc,

Source of Picture - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/292884
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12451820@N04/1281324170/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12451820@N04/1281323312/

I have exactly the same issue on these pictures, it look alike petechiae. As i do understand petechiae cause by low platelet count, due to recently these tiny red dots getting worst (increasing) and i have make up my mind to do Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. Result platelet revert fine on 243 10^9 /L.

The only abnormal would be
RDW% = 15.2%
MCHC = 29.6 g/dl
*i have no idea, what is this - As my doctor refuse to explain in details and keep telling those red tiny dot its pigmentation

I spotted these tiny red spot somewhere on October last year, i did full body checkup. Result everything is fine just cholesterol level is high. As recent CBC test, my family doctor say it doesnt look like petechiae to him but its pigmentation (Yes, he's pretty confident on this point) and claims that over time these red dots will turn into black colors. As far i could seen one of these red dots (spotted on October last year) have not fade out yet either turn into black color as its still red. Shall i go for further check up to get second opinion or specialist

For your information - other symptoms, i have often encounter chest pain, dry cough and fever (Same doctor - claims its viral infection). Thanks (in Advance) for your advise, Doctor


This discussion is related to Petechiae, Cherry Angiomas or what?.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

I understand your concern about this. Red rash on the skin may be due to several conditions. It may be infectious in origin such as a viral infection.It may be a dermatitis or a hypersensitivity reaction. It may be hematologic in origin. In your case, aside from the platelet count were your coagulation parameters also measured? If not, I suggest that you ask your doctor if this is indicated. Your physician, has considered  hyperpigmentation as a differential. If this is so, the cause of the hyperpigmentation has to be ascertained. As for a possible viral infection, this may be a likely differential as you have mentioned of a fever and cough previously. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura may also be viral in origin. You have mentioned that your complete blood count came back normal.

At this point, the RDW and MCHC may suggest an anemic state. You may need other parameters such as a peripheral blood smear and the MHC and MCV values to help ascertain the underlying condition. The RDW appears to be within normal (high normal) while the MCHC appears to be decreased. MCHC refers to the hemoglobin concentration in a given volume of blood.


You may discuss this with your physician. Here is a url for further reading:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/test.html

[moforox]

Additional information
I'm 26 years old, Male