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What Causes Petechiae In The Arm?

Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017

Question: Hello. I am a 73 year old male diabetic. I am having what looks like broken blood vessels under the skin on one arm. They begin as deep purple in appearance and range from quarter to half-inch spots to elongated ones. I have one on the top of my hand beginning at the index finger knuckle back up and is approximately one and a half inches long. Also one on my forearm below the elbow approximately the same length. I also have a larger lighter colored purple area under the forearm that is approximately two inches wide and about four inches long. These areas also itch and are sensitive to the touch. At the present time it's just my left arm but I've also had this occur on my right arm as well. Do you have any idea what might cause this condition? I haven't bumped against anything. Thank you for any information.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Kindly answer the following to comment further.

Do you use a medication by the name CLOPIDOGREL ?

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (10 minutes later)

Dr. Kalil:

No, I don't use Clopidogrel. This thing has me concerned because I don't know if it is something that is common or something that could be serious.
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Bleeding under the skin can be in the form of tiny spots referred to as petechiae. Based on the size they occupy larger bleeds / bruises are known as pupura (some what larger than petechiae) and ecchymosis (very large areas of bleeding).

Based on your description, it appears to be purpura. Such superficial bleeds are common with anti platelet or blood thinner medications.

Since you are not using them, complete blood count including platelet counts, Bleeding and clotting time, PT/APTT, INR, basic metabolic profile including liver and renal function tests need to be done to determine the cause.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar