What are petichiae?

Petichiae are indeed small red or purple spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding into the dermis. They form when tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, break and leak blood, leading to these visible spots. Unlike bruises, which can be larger and might involve deeper blood vessel damage, petechiae are typically pinpoint-sized and do not change color as a bruise does. This condition can be indicative of various medical issues, ranging from minor to more serious concerns, including clotting disorders or infections. Understanding the specific characteristics of petechiae is crucial in clinical settings as they can provide important clues about a patient's health status.