What are the small red/purple dots that appear on the skin and are flat?

What are the small red/purple dots that appear on the skin and are flat?

• A. Petechiae
• B. Purpura
• C. Ecchymosis
• D. Telangiectasia

Answer: (A)

Petechiae are tiny red or purple flat spots caused by bleeding from small blood vessels (capillaries) into the skin. Their small size and flat appearance distinguish them from other types of skin hemorrhages: purpura are larger patches, ecchymosis are even bigger bruises from trauma, and telangiectasia are visible, dilated superficial vessels that look like red lines and usually blanch when pressed. The key with petechiae is that they are non-blanching and pinpoint, reflecting tiny capillary leakage rather than a surface vessel dilation. In phlebotomy, the appearance of petechiae at a puncture site can signal a risk of bleeding issues, so avoid drawing from that spot and note the finding for further evaluation if it appears beyond a single site.

Petechiae are tiny red or purple flat spots caused by bleeding from small blood vessels (capillaries) into the skin. Their small size and flat appearance distinguish them from other types of skin hemorrhages: purpura are larger patches, ecchymosis are even bigger bruises from trauma, and telangiectasia are visible, dilated superficial vessels that look like red lines and usually blanch when pressed. The key with petechiae is that they are non-blanching and pinpoint, reflecting tiny capillary leakage rather than a surface vessel dilation. In phlebotomy, the appearance of petechiae at a puncture site can signal a risk of bleeding issues, so avoid drawing from that spot and note the finding for further evaluation if it appears beyond a single site.