Petechies: recognize them and our natural solutions
It all starts with a small red spot on the skin. Flat to the touch, rounded, often in clusters, a petechiae is a sign of a small hemorrhage caused by the rupture of a capillary on the surface of the skin. A capillary is a small blood vessel, connecting arteries to veins.
A history of red spots on the skin: how to recognize them?
Petechiae have a special feature: they do not lose their color on pressure. A basic dermatological test is, for example, to apply a transparent glass slide to the spot. Vitropressure (the medical name for this test) allows blood to be temporarily expelled from the vessels in the area, blood which remains trapped in the case of petechiae.
They can be of various colors from bright red to purple to brown. They are often confused with a rash.
On which parts of the body can they appear?
On the face
Petechiae on the face often have very benign causes. Indeed, elements such as a major effort, a coughing fit that is a little too pronounced or a strong vomiting attack can "burst the blood vessels", as we say colloquially. It is the capillaries, these very small blood vessels, which for some break and cause micro haemorrhages which give the phenomenon of "petechiae" on the face.
As seen previously together, these petechiae are not serious per se but can be concerning, especially with other symptoms.
Little tip: Mirabelle or Moringa oils will be your allies for skin repair.
On the legs & on the arms
They are relatively common on the limbs and they are usually the first affected by petechiae, so don't worry. Again, the appearance of petechiae is often the consequence of another problem, which can be benign or worrisome depending on its causes. Whether arms, forearms, legs, calves,
Close to the eyes
As with petechiae of the face, petechiae around the eyes are usually very easy to identify and relate to external causes (coughing, vomiting, excessive sobs), and do not require special attention if they occur. are punctual.
On the hands
Rarer than on the arms and forearms, petechiae on the hands will also disappear on their own in a few days, helped why not with a little Moringa or Baobab vegetable oil to aid cell repair.
When do petechiae disappear?
Petechiae usually go away on their own within a few days, when they are the consequence of a minor problem. This is the time for the skin to evacuate them naturally by replacing the dead cells, much like the disappearance of a hematoma. It should be remembered once again that petechiae are very often the consequence of an underlying problem and cannot be treated as such. In case of repeated appearances, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
They can in rare cases be a sign of purpura fulminans, and then become a valuable sign to alert doctors to this serious disorder. It is an acute rash, accompanied by skin necrosis and usually related to meningococcal infection. Support is then mandatory and urgent.
Are we talking about petechiae or purpura?
The two terms are closely related, because petechiae are a subcategory of purpura, or a particular manifestation of this more global family that represents that of purpura. Dermatological lesions of the hemorrhagic type (flow of blood under the skin) are indeed grouped under the term purpura. Apart from petechiae, these blood discharges can take the form of bruises or straight streaks, called vibices. And as mentioned above, these manifestations do not disappear during vitropression (dermatological test consisting in studying the behavior of the skin under pressure from a small glass plate).
It's always the clinical examination that counts, whether by the general practitioner, the dermatologist or the hematologist.
The causes explaining their appearance
Petechiae occur due to rupture of a capillary (small blood vessel) under the skin and the accumulation of blood under the skin. This is what gives them that "red spot" appearance. which does not clear up on vitropression (dermatological examination studying the reaction of certain skin abnormalities to better identify them.) Their individual diameter does not generally exceed 2 mm.
Among the list of possible causes of petechiae, we have selected the causes from the most serious to the least serious, and shown you when to consult.
Low Severity: Don't Worry
In case of severe coughing, vomiting, rubbing: the appearance of petechiae is (almost) expected and is a consequence of these capillaries which rupture on the surface of the skin.
Small traumas and irregularities on the surface of the skin, following bruises, shocks, compression stockings
Consequence of illnesses and well-identified viral or bacterial infections (including covid 19): in this case the petechiae are only a symptom: the diagnosis has already been made. ### Moderate to severe severity: consult a doctor
Vasculitis
Blood Disorders and Diseases; platelet dysfunction, capillary damage, anemia, hemolytic syndrome, leukemia and its consequences. Use of anticoagulants in heavy drug treatments. The prescription of drugs should be reserved for professionals, especially if causes such as petechiae have already appeared in your life.
Autoimmune diseases
Meningitis in children (consult immediately!)
Our natural solutions to remove dark spots
Since petechiae are linked to your ability to heal and renew the skin, it is therefore advisable to use natural solutions that promote this healing and the disappearance of hematomas.
We can therefore advise you, separately or together:
- Moringa vegetable oil: ideal for getting rid of stretch marks, scars and traces left by pimples. It will be ideal for boosting the healing of your skin and erasing the trace of petechiae.
- Calendula vegetable oil: very gentle, to soothe your skin and help it rebuild itself. Ours is made in Haute Marne, produced by Céline, which itself cultivates the precious marigold flower, used for this oil.
- Palmarosa essential oil: to smooth blood circulation and help your body get rid of those little blood relatives trapped in the skin.
- Niaouli essential oil: venous decongestant, also to help eliminate petechiae.
Do not forget, however, that petechiae remain a symptom (most often not serious) and that it is still necessary to receive medical advice concerning them. The diagnosis of petechiae is also based on your medical history and your GP can refer you.
Conclusion
Petechiae are the subject of much concern when they appear, because their manifestation is impressive. But as impressive as they are, they are most often not serious and disappear on their own after a few days. Herbal and essential oils can allow you to speed up the process and promote healing, naturally.
