petechiae

petechiae Tiny red spots in the skin or mucous membranes that do not blanch when pressed upon and that result from blood leaking from capillaries. The causes of petachiae include use of aspirin or other medications, allergic reactions, autoimmune disease, viral infection, thrombocythemia (an abnormally high platelet level), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), leukemia and other bone marrow malignancies that can lower the number of platelets, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and sepsis (bloodstream infection). Petechiae are often seen right after birth in newborns and after violent vomiting or coughing. A person with petechiae should see a physician because they may be of major consequence.