Definition
In the medical field, petechiae identify small hyperpigmented pinpoint spots on the skin, formed as a result of the lack of some elements of coagulation; the cutaneous micro-macules have a smooth surface and a rather irregular shape, generally circular, the color of which varies from the initial reddish-brown, up to becoming yellowish and generally disappearing after a few days. The petechiae, in themselves, do not refer to any medical emergency.
Causes
Petechiae are the most immediate expression of a break in the blood capillaries; the petechiae formed around the eyes or on the face most often result from an "alteration in blood pressure, triggered by vomiting or a cough.
- Risk factors: platelet changes (thrombocytopenia), oral antidiabetics, vitamin K deficiency, chemotherapy, circulation disorders, bacterial infections, skin aging, leukemia, infantile scurvy, Cushing's syndrome, trauma
Symptoms
Petechiae are not associated with any pain or discomfort: the signs are purely aesthetic. When the petechiae are numerous and almost form a mass of slightly larger macules, we speak more correctly of purpura, a typical symptom of some capillary alterations.
The information on Petechiae - Medicines for the Treatment of Petechiae is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient.Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Petechiae - Medicines for the Treatment of Petechiae.
Medicines
Although the presence of petechiae on the skin does not in itself constitute a pathological condition, a doctor's opinion is still recommended, since the spots on the skin can sometimes conceal an underlying disease, much more serious. Just think, for example, of leukemia: petechiae are a characteristic symptom of the aforementioned cancerous disease, in which there is an "abnormal production of blood cells, unable to fulfill their role.
Treatment for petechiae depends on the triggering cause: we have seen that thrombocytopenia can predispose the patient to petechiae, considering that the lack of platelets alters the physiological mechanism of blood clotting. According to this, the restoration of the standard values of thrombocytes (> 150,000 units / m3) also favors the removal of petechiae from the skin.
Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) also favors the appearance of petechial lesions on the skin: the integration of this very important vitamin is the first therapeutic measure to be considered for the treatment of the disease (scurvy) with all its symptoms (including petechiae). Similarly for Cushing's syndrome: the clinical signs - petechiae, ecchymosis and purpura - that distinguish the disease can be removed only after having undertaken a therapeutic process for the treatment of the syndrome.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against petechiae, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:
There is no drug aimed at the mere treatment of petechiae: as we have seen, these micro-spots on the skin are always the expression of a morbid condition or a vitamin deficiency, so the only way to remove petechiae is to cure the underlying disease.
Vitamin C supplementation: indicated for the treatment of petechiae in the context of scurvy. Scurvy is a disease derived from vitamin C deficiency, therefore the administration of ascorbic acid improves the patient's clinical picture.
- Vitamin C (eg. Redoxon, Cebion, Cimille, Univit, C Tard, Agruvit, Univit, Duo C): indicatively, take 50-180 mg per day of vitamin C, orally, intramuscularly or intravenously. Do not exceed 180 mg of ascorbic acid per day.
For further information: read the article on drugs for the treatment of scurvy
Vitamin E supplementation
Some studies show that vitamin E supplementation also seems effective for the disappearance of petechiae.
- Vitamin E (eg. Arovit, Evion, Ephynal, Rigentex, Sursum, E-Vitum): for the removal of petechiae, it is recommended to take 400-600 mg per day of vitamin E, orally, according to the indications prescribed by the doctor.
Deepening: the intake of vitamin E seems to bring surprising results for the treatment of petechiae. According to what emerges from the studies of Dr. Fujii, vitamin E exerts an "inhibitory action on" the increase in permeability of the capillary walls, derived from infectious insults or drug reactions
Reduction of cortisol production: in the context of Cushing's syndrome, the main goal is to reduce the overproduction of cortisol. Some drugs, such as Mitotane and ketoconazole, can reduce its synthesis and bring improvements also on clinical evidence (in this case, the petechiae).
For further information: read the article on drugs for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome
Cortisone therapy and administration of immunoglobulins: for the treatment of petechiae dependent on thrombocytopenia, the therapy depends on the underlying cause.
For example, glucocorticoids tend to reduce bleeding (a hallmark of severe thrombocytopenia), while immunoglobulins are indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia dependent on an abnormal immune reaction. Immunosuppressive drugs may also sometimes be taken to reduce steroid administration.
Here are some examples:
- Dexamethasone (eg Decadron, Soldesam): dexamethasone, thanks to its anti-haemorrhagic effect, is indicated to block bleeding caused by thrombocytopenia. Indicatively, take the drug at a dose of 40 mg / day for 4 days. Continue with 28 days of suspension and repeat the cycle, respecting the instructions prescribed by the doctor.
- Cortisone (eg Cortis Acet, Cortone): for the treatment of idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenia, it is recommended to take 25-300 mg of the drug per day, orally or intramuscularly, dividing the load into one or two doses.
- Gammaglobulins: immunoglobulins to be administered in high dosage (for severe forms of thrombocytopenia). The drug exerts its therapeutic activity by slowing down the process of destruction of platelets. For the posology, consult your doctor.
For further information: read the article on the treatment of thrombocytopenia.
Chemotherapy therapy: last but not least, chemotherapy therapy is indicated for the treatment of leukemia. As analyzed, leukemia can also favor the formation of petechiae on the skin; clearly, the speckles formed constitute simple clinical evidence, but the underlying problem is clearly the neoplasm of the blood. The treatment of leukemia - therefore the restoration of the blood composition within the normal range - also favors the removal of petechiae.
For further information: read the article on drugs for the treatment of leukemia
