Petechiae (peh-TEE-kee-eye) are tiny areas of bleeding within the skin that cause pinpoint-size reddish-purple dots. Many causes of petechiae are not serious and the dots go away on their own.

Petechiae are tiny red dots that don't turn white or disappear when you push on them. They occur when small blood vessels leak red blood cells into the top layers of the skin. The rash can show up on any part of the body.

Petechiae have many causes, and most are not serious. Severe crying, coughing, or vomiting may cause petechiae on just the face or upper chest. They also can be due to mild injury caused by rubbing, squeezing, or sucking on the skin. Petechiae also can be the result of certain medications or viral infections.

Because petechiae occasionally can indicate a serious illness (for instance, they might be a sign of a bacterial infection), health care providers may order blood tests to rule these out. A thorough exam and, if needed, blood tests determined that your child's petechiae are not due to a serious cause.

Petechiae usually fade in several days without special treatment.

• Do not apply any over-the-counter creams unless directed to by your health care provider.
• Give your child any recommended medications as directed.
• Do not give your child ibuprofen unless recommended by your health care provider.
• If your child has a fever and is uncomfortable, a medication may help your child feel better. Give acetaminophen if recommended by your health care provider.
• Make sure your child returns for all follow-up appointments as recommended.

• If a medication caused petechiae, your child should not take it again. Talk to your health care provider about other medicines that are OK to use instead.

Your child develops:

• A new fever above 100.4°F (38˚C).
• Raised purple spots on the skin.
• Abdominal pain.

Your child:

• Has blood in the urine, stool (poop), or vomit.
• Has a fever, headache, and a stiff neck.
• Is pale, weak, and fatigued.
• Appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, producing less urine or darker than usual urine, crying with little or no tears.