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Bruises and petechiae: what you may see on your skin

When platelets are low, bruises can appear for no reason, along with petechiae: tiny red-purple dots that do not fade when pressed. These are important news for your team.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A purple bruise on the inside of an arm
Figure 1.With low platelets, bruises appear easily

01Short answer

Check your skin in daylight every day, especially your legs, arms, abdomen and the inside of your mouth. To tell petechiae from an ordinary rash, press a clear glass on them: petechiae do not fade. Photograph new bruises or dots and note the date. Avoid tight belts, elastic bands, tight socks and firm massage. Call your team at once for new petechiae, a growing bruise, bleeding from the nose or gums at the same time, a severe headache or black stools.

02Simple explanation

Check daily.

Glass test: does not fade.

Photograph it.

New dots: call.

03Scientific explanation

NCI and MedlinePlus: petechiae and unexplained bruising can be signs of thrombocytopenia and should be reported to a doctor.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Petechiae

Tiny leaks of blood from capillaries into the skin.

Purpura

Larger purple patches that merge together.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PetechiaeTiny leaks of blood from capillaries into the skin.
PurpuraLarger purple patches that merge together.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Petechiae
Tiny red dots that do not fade when pressed.
Ecchymosis
A bruise; bleeding under the skin.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Look.
  • Photograph.
  • Call.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

A bruise turned yellow-green.

That may be healing; still tell your team.

The dots itch.

It may be a different rash; show your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. A bruise turned yellow-green.

  2. The dots itch.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Bleeding into the skin
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Using an incentive spirometer
  7. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer
  8. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Relaxation Techniques: What You Need To Know
  9. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
  10. National Cancer Institute. Self-Image and Sexuality
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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