Should I Worry About Petechiae?
I’m a 17-year-old female weighing 65 kg, and I don’t take any medications. I also neither smoke nor drink alcohol. After taking a hot shower today, I discovered several spots on my right thigh, and I believe they might be petechiae. I’ve come across information suggesting there may be a link between hot showers and the appearance of petechiae, which makes me wonder if that could be the reason. What troubles me most is that I have experienced similar spots before on my thighs. They usually fade away after a few weeks, but it seems that new ones appear every couple of months. Additionally, I’ve recently increased my walking activity, which might also play a role in the appearance of these spots. I’ve read that petechiae can sometimes result from trauma; however, I’m uncertain if that applies to me. There’s a lot of information online suggesting that petechiae could be linked to more serious conditions like leukemia, and I can’t help but feel anxious about that possibility. I’d appreciate any insights or guidance regarding this situation.
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 12:02:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about the appearance of petechiae, especially when information online can be overwhelming. Let's break this down: petechiae are small, red or purple spots that can appear on the skin due to tiny blood vessels breaking. Hot showers and increased activity can indeed lead to temporary changes in blood flow and may contribute to their appearance.
Key Points:
-
Causes of Petechiae: They can occur due to various reasons, including minor trauma, increased physical activity, or changes in blood pressure. It's also important to note that they can appear for benign reasons.
-
Your Symptoms: Since you have noticed these spots before and they typically fade away with time, they may simply be a recurrent issue rather than something alarming. Given that you mentioned an increase in walking, this physical activity could potentially explain the occasional appearance of these spots.
-
Do Not Panic: While certain conditions can cause petechiae, having isolated spots that fade and reappear over several weeks, especially without additional symptoms (like bleeding elsewhere, fatigue, or unusual bruising), is often not indicative of a serious medical condition like leukemia.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Spots: Keep an eye on the petechiae. Note any new spots' frequency, size, and how long they last. Documenting these details can be helpful to understand patterns.
-
Reduce Irritation: If you find that hot showers or vigorous activity are linked to the spots, consider adjusting the temperature of your showers or moderating your exercise to see if it makes a difference.
-
Stay Calm and Informed: Continue regular activities and avoid excessive worry. Educate yourself about petechiae from reliable sources, like websites from health organizations, to help ease your concerns.
// If you notice any alarming symptoms such as increased bleeding, severe fatigue, or if the petechiae persist or worsen, it would be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. In the meantime, focus on your daily activities and try to stay relaxed. You're doing great by seeking information and being proactive about your health!
Related Questions
Rash Around Port A Cath: Seeking Guidance
22-year-old female, Weight: 170 lbs, Height: 5’3”, Location: United States Medical history includes: - POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) - Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - May-Thurner Syndrome - Nutcracker Syndrome - Fibromyalgia - Antiphospholipid Syndrome - Aquagenic Urticaria Medications currently prescribed: - Metoprolol - Cardizem - Corlanor - Zoloft - Valium - Midodrine - Oxycodone - Protonix - Rexulti - Fludrocortisone - Lyrica - Plavix - Vitamin D - Iron - Vitamin B12 - Folic Acid - Xolair - Lovenox I'm feeling quite overwhelmed, so I’m reaching out for advice. Four days ago, I discovered a rash forming on the exterior of my port dressing. Since September, I have consistently used the same two types of dressings: the hypoallergenic HP dressing utilized by the infusion center and IV3000. Recently, upon receiving a new shipment of IV3000, I noticed it now features orange borders, which is unusual as I’ve previously used them without borders without any issues. During a recent hospital stay, I used the orange bordered dressing without problem. Regrettably, I believe this rash is a reaction to the adhesive, so I decided to replace it with the HP dressing used at the infusion center. I've been applying moisturizers throughout the day to combat the itching. However, last night, while deep in sleep, I awoke to an intense burning sensation accompanied by itching that I had never experienced before. The rash has spread to the area where the needle is situated under the dressing. I am confused about the situation since it is uncomfortably itchy and I feel quite helpless, particularly concerning the potential for further spreading. Thankfully, it had remained confined to the dressing’s edge, but now it has started to extend underneath. I hadn’t initially worried about infections or issues with the port itself, given that my flushing and blood return have been exceptionally good, even better than I’ve previously experienced. However, my anxiety is increasing as the entire area surrounding the port is now noticeably red. The outer part of the dressing shows raised bumps typical of a rash, yet beneath, it appears as one large red area. I'm unsure who to reach out to for assistance. Should I contact the Interventional Radiology department that placed my port? I do have a follow-up with them regarding an iliac stent as well. Alternatively, should I speak with my primary care physician? My concern is that he lacks familiarity with the specifics of my port, as he only ordered the procedure at the request of my other doctors. For the record, the only substances administered through my port are 0.9% sodium chloride (1000 mL daily) or 1000 mL of lactated ringers, alternating, along with heparin locks and IV Zofran. Two weeks ago, I was prescribed oxycodone, and aside from that medication, nothing has changed. Though if this were an allergic reaction, I would expect symptoms to manifest elsewhere, yet I also have begun to notice a small rash forming under my breastbone and above my buttocks.
Concern Over Moveable Lump on Neck
I’m a 14-year-old male, and I’ve discovered a small, movable lump on the left side of my neck, positioned towards the back. While it’s not visible, I can clearly feel its presence. I first noticed it a few days ago, and it has made me very anxious; I’m genuinely worried that it could signal something serious. Although I experienced a cold a few weeks back, I currently don’t have any additional symptoms beyond this lump. I find myself touching it frequently, and I'm starting to think that it might have increased slightly in size, amplifying my concerns. Is this type of lump typical? Should I be worried? Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m eager for any insights you could provide, as I’m feeling quite frightened about the situation.
Understanding Polycythemia: A Personal Experience
Rare Case of Erythrocytosis/Polycythemia Hello, everyone. I’m seeking opinions and insights concerning my condition of erythrocytosis. Here’s a brief overview of my situation: I am a 30-year-old male. At 28, during a standard lab assessment, I discovered elevated levels of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and red blood cells (RBC). My Vitamin B12 was found to be quite high at 1618, while my serum ferritin measured 76. At that time, my erythropoietin (EPO) level was 6.65 (normal range: 4.3-29). Subsequent tests, including kidney function tests (KFT), liver function tests (LFT), ultrasound, arterial blood gas analysis, and ECG, all returned normal results. Additionally, my serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was within the normal range. I had my peripheral blood examined for mutations in JAK2 exons 12-15, CALR, and MPL, all of which came back negative. My physician recommended phlebotomy to help reduce my hematocrit levels. Over the past two years, I have undergone phlebotomy ten times and also had a bone marrow biopsy. Both the biopsy and aspirate results returned normal; the only noteworthy finding was a decrease in my iron stores, potentially due to the frequent phlebotomies. The cytogenetic tests were also normal. I was retested for JAK2 exons 12-15, CALR, MPL, and BCR-ABL from bone marrow blood samples, and again, all came back negative for these mutations. Currently, I am facing elevated serum LDH levels (470, with a normal value being <240), along with high serum total protein (8.4, normal range 6-8), and an increased serum albumin level (5.1). Additionally, for the past three months, I have noticed frothy urine, although my creatinine level is normal at 0.74. Recent urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) tests showed results of 17 and 102, respectively. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice regarding my situation.
Unsettling CT-Scan Experience
Hello everyone, I know you probably hear lots of similar stories, but I'm in need of some guidance regarding my recent medical experience. Around four weeks ago, I (25F) underwent an ultrasound that unexpectedly revealed a 5cm solid mass on my right kidney. The radiologist suggested it could potentially be an angiomyolipoma (AML), yet both the senior radiologist and my physician expressed concerns. As a result, they scheduled me for an urgent CT scan with contrast, linking it to my persistently elevated CRP levels and anemia. When I went for the CT scan recently, things took an unusual turn. After getting everything set up and completing the preliminary scan, I was informed that a nurse needed to consult with the radiologist and a doctor before proceeding with the contrast injection. I ended up waiting for about 15 minutes, and when they returned, I was told I could leave without further tests. They mentioned that the findings would be sent to my primary care physician within a week. Should I be worried? Every time I approach the topic, I receive vague reassurances about my age without any concrete answers. Thank you for your help!
Inquiry Regarding Giant Liver Hemangioma
I am a 45-year-old cisgender woman without any significant or chronic health conditions. In 2023, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a large liver hemangioma during a routine examination. The medical professionals I consulted expressed minimal concern, advising me against engaging in contact sports that could potentially impact my abdominal area. Until recently, I experienced no symptoms and felt reassured about my condition. A follow-up MRI indicated no change in the size of the hemangioma. However, I have recently been dealing with severe abdominal bloating, noticeable distension, weight gain, and intermittent nausea. I also feel an overwhelming sense of fullness even after consuming small portions of food. I am curious if these symptoms could relate to the hemangioma. How do healthcare providers assess such a connection, and what treatment options might be considered? Furthermore, do these symptoms imply a heightened risk of rupture? Is surgical intervention advisable, or might it pose too great a risk? The details from my 2025 MRI indicate that there is a sizable cavernous hemangioma measuring 13 x 10 x 6 cm located within the anterior segment of my right lobe, displaying minor areas of myxoid degeneration. Additionally, there is a hemangioma of 4.4 x 3 x 5.2 cm situated within the caudate lobe, along with several smaller hepatic cysts and hemangiomas. Importantly, no suspicious hepatic lesions were found. Thank you for any insights you may have on this matter. I have two excellent doctors I plan to consult, but I prefer to be well-prepared for these discussions.