OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Possible Reasons for Sudden Purple Dots on My Face

6/16/2025, 6:40:17 AMMale25-34

At the age of 20 and as a female, I've just observed some unusual purple dots appearing on my skin today. While this might be a common occurrence, I'm puzzled that they specifically manifest on my temples and the underside of my chin. I'm curious about what might have led to this condition. Interestingly, I did hit my forehead several times yesterday, but surprisingly, there are no visible marks in that area, which adds to the strangeness of this situation. Any insights into the potential causes would be greatly appreciated.

ArthritisLupusFibromyalgia

Answers (1)

Cony

6/16/2025, 6:40:32 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel concerned about the sudden appearance of purple dots on your skin, especially given their specific location and your recent impact. These dots, known as petechiae or purpura, can be caused by various factors, including minor trauma, but there are also other possible explanations.

Explanation:

  1. Minor Trauma: Since you mentioned hitting your forehead, sometimes small blood vessels can break under the skin, causing purple spots. This can happen even if you don't see a bruise on the impacted area.

  2. Allergic Reactions: Skin reactions to allergens or irritants can also manifest as purple spots. Consider any new products you've used (skincare, makeup, etc.) that might have triggered this.

  3. Vascular Issues: Conditions affecting blood clotting or blood vessel integrity may cause these spots. Although this is less common, it's important to be aware of.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Observe the dots over the next few days for any changes. Track if they increase in number, change color, or if you develop other symptoms like pain, itching, or swelling.

  2. Limit Irritants: Avoid lotions, makeup, or skin products that could irritate the area until you identify possible causes.

  3. Note Other Symptoms: Pay attention to other symptoms, such as fever, unexplained bruising elsewhere, or any unusual bleeding. This information can help clarify the situation.

  4. Consider Activity Changes: If you've increased physical activity or changed your routine, think about any factors that may contribute to skin changes.

If the purple dots do not improve after a week or if you experience significant symptoms, it's advisable to seek further medical evaluation. Remember, while these conditions are concerning, your health and well-being are paramount. Keep a close eye on these developments, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns.

Related Questions

Unusual Tick Bite Appearance

My mother, who is 47, recently suffered a tick bite, and the site of the bite appears quite unusual. She's been vigilant about monitoring for the characteristic bullseye appearance commonly associated with tick bites. However, what she sees instead is an elongated mark that resembles two protruding rays. She has a history of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, and has received inconclusive test results for lupus on two occasions. It’s been tough for her, but I’m unsure if her existing conditions may influence the appearance of the bite. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

ArthritisLupusCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
2 minutes ago

Seeking Insight on Persistent Leg Pain

Greetings! I'm in my late twenties and generally enjoy good health. Although I experience frequent bouts of illness, particularly with flu-like symptoms, I usually have no serious health concerns interfering with daily life. However, I do face a significant challenge: persistent pain in my legs. This discomfort tends to surface after extended periods of walking or standing, yet it can also occur on days when I've been seated all day long. The pain may affect either leg individually or radiate through both. Throughout my life, healthcare providers have attributed this issue to muscle soreness or growth pains, offering little in terms of solutions. Having previously been a swimmer, I am familiar with muscle soreness, and I can confidently say that what I'm experiencing is distinctly different from that. The sensation is best described as a profound ache that envelops my legs, with the most intense discomfort centered around my ankles and knees. At times, the pain escalates to the point where standing becomes nearly impossible, leaving my legs feeling weak. The only relief I find comes from soaking them in hot water, applying ice, massaging, or elevating my legs. Again, the discomfort does not resemble a burning, tingling, or soreness; it is rather a deep, bone-aching feeling. The pain predominantly strikes at night, though there have been moments when it has woken me from sleep. I have no visible injuries, and my legs and feet show no signs of swelling. My profession entails sitting at a desk, so my physical activity is limited to the short walk to and from work, which totals about thirty minutes. Despite my ongoing visits to various doctors, they continue to dismiss my complaints as mere muscle soreness. My family has started to attribute my discomfort to a lack of exercise, branding me as lazy and unfit. However, this issue has persisted throughout my life, regardless of my levels of fitness—during my high school swimming years, for example. For context, I am not overweight; in fact, I am considered to be underweight for my height. Exercising is challenging for me, not only due to my job but also because I fear that it might exacerbate the pain. At this point, I am in desperate need of assistance to obtain a diagnosis or at least some potential solutions. It would also be reassuring to find out if others share similar experiences with leg pain and if it can be considered something common. Since no one in my family deals with this problem, I lack the ability to compare experiences to gauge normalcy. Doctors tend to brush off my concerns, and without physical indicators and with the pain often striking unexpectedly—typically at night—it's difficult to convey the true nature of my suffering. Additionally, I suffer from restless leg syndrome, which may or may not be connected to this pain. My grandmother has the same syndrome, yet she does not experience the discomfort I do.

ArthritisFibromyalgiaCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
2 minutes ago

Is Wet Cupping Effective for Post-Accutane Symptoms?

Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old woman, measuring approximately 152 cm tall (around 5 feet) and weighing about 40 kg (88 lbs). Earlier this year, I underwent treatment with Accutane (Isotretinoin) for several months to address moderate acne. My initial dose was set at 20mg, which was later raised to 40mg. I completed my course about four months prior. While my skin condition has seen significant improvement and my blood work indicates normal levels, I continue to experience a few persistent side effects: - Discomfort in my muscles and bones - Daily fatigue - Fluctuations in mood or emotional instability Recently, I came across the concept of Hijama, or wet cupping therapy, and I became intrigued. I've heard that this treatment might assist in "detoxifying" the body and enhancing blood flow, which could potentially alleviate some of the residual effects from medications like Accutane. Thus, I have a couple of questions: - Has anyone here attempted Hijama after completing their Accutane treatment? - Did you find it beneficial for symptoms such as body soreness, fatigue, or emotional distress? - I would appreciate hearing any insights or shared experiences you might have. Even if scientific validation is lacking, I'm eager to learn about the outcomes for others. Thank you all in advance for your input! 🙏

ArthritisFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
32 minutes ago

Persistent Skin Rash Following a Hickey Received Three Years Ago

This situation has been quite perplexing for me and I’ve been trying to make sense of it. Three years ago, I received a hickey from a guy I never interacted with again, and shortly after, it transformed into a rash. Over the last three years, I've experienced recurrent flare-ups of this same rash in the identical spot on my neck. I do have eczema, but I find it strange how the rash continually reappears at the exact location of that hickey, which had never bothered me prior to that incident. Is there anyone who can reassure me that these occurrences are unrelated and merely coincidental?

ArthritisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
42 minutes ago

Persistent Pain on the Right Side of Abdomen and Back

I’m a 32-year-old female weighing around 230 pounds and standing 5 feet 1 inch tall. My current medications include Vyvanse, Buspirone, guanfacine, and hydroxyzine to manage ADHD and anxiety, along with metformin for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a multivitamin along with inositol supplements. Recently, I underwent a bilateral salpingectomy in November 2024 and had my gallbladder removed just a month ago; however, the pain I’m experiencing predates the gallbladder surgery. I find myself in a frustrating situation, particularly because my surgeon declined to perform any scans prior to the gallbladder removal, insisting that my discomfort was entirely related to my gallbladder. For the past six months, I have been suffering from persistent pain located somewhere on the right side of my abdomen and/or back. I emphasize *somewhere* due to the fact that the pain seems to shift with my movements and does not follow a predictable pattern. Currently, the discomfort is centered in my mid-abdomen, near my lower ribs, but not long ago, it was around my hip area. Even now, as I type, sitting up straight has caused the pain to transition from my abdomen to my back, precisely in that same region. Massage therapy provides some temporary relief; the pain feels dull and achy, and I have that sensation that it yearns to be massaged. Unfortunately, standard pain relief medications have little effect. After my gallbladder surgery, the pain seemed to diminish briefly, likely masked by the more intense post-operative discomfort, but it returned within a week, persistent as ever. In addition to the pain, I’ve experienced intermittent nausea (which is usually linked to my anxiety) and severe diarrhea that began after the gallbladder removal. According to my surgeon, my gallbladder was indeed very inflamed and full of stones, affirming its necessity for removal despite any uncertainty it may have contributed to my pain. He also mentioned that it was adhered to my abdominal wall, which raises questions about possible relevance. Unfortunately, shortly after my surgery, my doctor stopped accepting my insurance, which has hindered my ability to secure follow-up appointments or discuss my ongoing pain with him. I am currently attempting to find a new physician, but there are limited options available at the moment.

ArthritisFibromyalgiaCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
1 hour ago