Concerns of Fatigue and Petechiae in an 18-Year-Old
Greetings, I’m an 18-year-old female who typically enjoys good health. Although I am slightly underweight—just about five pounds—it’s not alarming, and my dietary intake is standard. For the past four years, I’ve been prescribed Lexapro and Lamictal. Lately, over the last two months, I have been experiencing significant fatigue along with the emergence of petechiae on my hips, occurring without any obvious explanation. These spots appear to last roughly 1 to 2 weeks before fading, but I notice at least two new patches develop each week, confined solely to my hips. Aside from this fatigue, I generally feel well physically. Should I be worried about these symptoms, or could they be inconsequential?
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 8:31:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about ongoing fatigue and the appearance of petechiae, especially since these symptoms are new for you. While there can be various explanations, it’s important to recognize that fatigue accompanied by unexplained spots on the skin should not be ignored.
Explanation: Fatigue can arise from a variety of sources, including stress, insufficient sleep, nutritional deficiencies, or potential side effects from medications. Petechiae, which are small, flat purple or red spots on the skin, can indicate bleeding under the skin, which might result from a range of issues from minor to more significant conditions such as blood disorders or medication side effects.
Given that your medications (Lexapro and Lamictal) can have side effects, it’s also worth considering their potential impact. Monitoring these symptoms is crucial, particularly because the petechiae are new and have been appearing consistently over several weeks.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your fatigue levels and any new petechiae. Note when they appear, how long they last, and any other changes in your health. This will help identify any patterns.
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Review Your Medications: Reflect on any changes in your medication or intensity of symptoms. Sometimes, side effects can appear after prolonged use.
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Focus on Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you're underweight, aim to gradually increase your caloric intake with nutritious foods.
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Rest and Self-Care: Prioritize adequate sleep and take breaks throughout your day to reduce fatigue. Consider gentle physical activities like walking or yoga, which can boost energy levels without excessive strain.
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Seek Support: Share your symptoms with someone close to you for emotional support, as ongoing issues with fatigue can affect mental health.
While these steps are important, if you notice worsening symptoms, such as increased fatigue, additional petechiae, or if you experience symptoms like easy bruising, persistent headaches, or fever, it’s advisable to seek medical advice sooner for a comprehensive evaluation. In the meantime, focusing on self-care and closely monitoring your condition will help you manage your symptoms. Please keep me updated on how things progress.
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