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petechiae and purpura

sudden tiny red or purple spots or sudden bruising may be early symptoms of a serious illness or bleeding problem. there are two types.

petechiae (say "puh-tee-kee-eye"):

  • are tiny, flat red or purple spots in the skin or the lining of the mouth.
  • do not turn white when you press on them.
  • range from the size of a pinpoint to the size of a small pea and do not itch or cause pain.
  • may spread over a large area of the body within a few hours.
  • are different than tiny, flat red spots or birthmarks that are present all the time.

purpura (say "purr-pyuh-ruh" or "purr-puh-ruh"):

  • is sudden, severe bruising that occurs for no clear reason.
  • may be in one area or all over.
  • is different than the bruising that happens after you bump into something.

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