26-Year-Old Female with Petichiae and Discomfort
Subject of Ongoing Health Concerns: Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Current Treatments: 150 mg of Effexor daily and Depo Provera injections every three months. For over a year, I have been experiencing petichiae, confirmed by a doctor, on my arms and neck. Lately, these red spots have been appearing more frequently in new areas such as beneath my earlobes, on my breasts, and legs. I consistently find them on my right arm and the right side of my neck. These spots typically surface, persist for about a week, and then fade, only to be replaced by new ones. Additional Information, Potentially Relevant: I am also experiencing pain in my right ear that radiates down my neck, along with some hearing impairment on that side, which has been verified by my physician. My most recent complete blood count (CBC) was conducted in October 2024, yielding normal results. Additionally, I've noted tenderness in the lymph nodes of my jaw, neck, and right arm; however, these nodes are not visibly swollen. For at least a year now, I've also dealt with frequent night sweats. Furthermore, I suffer from severe headaches that often extend into my neck, occurring roughly twice a month. During my appointment with the dermatologist today, he was unable to provide any insights regarding the petichiae. He suggested that I return when the spots are more prominent, as the current ones have faded too much to perform a biopsy. I did present photographs of the initial appearance of these spots when they first emerged. Could this be solely attributed to fibromyalgia? Would it be prudent to request further blood tests? Should I seek out new healthcare providers?
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 9:52:16 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Persistent petechiae and accompanying symptoms like ear pain, hearing issues, and night sweats warrant further investigation. While fibromyalgia can cause various symptoms, the combination you're experiencing may suggest an underlying condition that requires more evaluation.
Explanation: Petechiae are tiny red or purple spots that can occur due to bleeding under the skin. While they may sometimes arise from minor issues, their persistence, especially with added symptoms like night sweats, ear discomfort, and lymph tenderness, should not be overlooked. Fibromyalgia itself typically does not cause petechiae directly, but your overall health and symptom combination may indicate something more complex.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of when the petechiae appear, their location, and any changes in your other symptoms (like ear pain and headaches). Note any potential triggers (e.g., stress, dietary changes).
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Consider Further Testing: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of additional blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions. This could include tests for platelet counts, clotting factors, or autoimmune markers, considering your symptoms.
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Follow Up on Pain and Hearing Issues: Since you're experiencing pain and hearing impairment in your right ear, ensure that you're being referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. They may conduct additional assessments.
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Evaluate Your Healthcare Team: If you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed, it might be worthwhile to seek a second opinion, especially from specialists in hematology or rheumatology who are experienced with complex or chronic conditions.
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Stay Educated: Continue to educate yourself about your existing conditions and associated symptoms. This can help you advocate effectively for your health needs in any medical consultations.
Taking these steps can help clarify the health issues at hand and guide you toward appropriate treatment. Let me know if you need any further clarification or assistance!
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