Petechiae

[Deiniol]

Hi, has anyone experienced the above (small blood spots on the face)? I've noticed mine a while ago and they seem to be getting worse. I'm on pred, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, aspirin, clopidogrel, bisoprol and a couple of high blood pressure tablets. Should I be worried or are they just a side effect of one of the tablets.

Thanks.

[PMRpro]

They are a common side effect of pred although the aspirin and clopidogrel will both add to the leakage of the capillaries that cause them and apparently that alone can result in a petechial rash. It is unusual on the face though - are you using something rough on your face when washing?

I would mention it to your doctor.

[Deiniol in reply to PMRpro]

No, I use creams to take makeup off and never use soap or anything abrasive. I will get in touch with my GP. Thanks.

[OldTed60]

I get petechiae rashes on face quite often. In my case the causes seem to be an after- response to any kind of physical trauma or straining - especially coughing or vomiting. I had a line of purpuric spots on my forehead a few weeks ago with a swollen eye at the start of a heavy cold. I didn’t notice this myself but ended up at GP’s seeing practice nurse about my eyelid being so swollen with leaky/ gushing eye.

She diagnosed cellulitis but was concerned by the line of petechiae spots so called my GP through - who ran basic tests for bacterial meningitis and GCA - which he excluded thankfully. It was just a nasty eye infection ie bacterial conjunctivitis. However the petechiae response was typical for me. So I’m guessing I just have very fragile connective tissue which bruises easily - more so as I age. I haven’t found this to have a sinister cause in my case but it’s important to get it checked out. I’m not on blood thinners or Pred and don’t tolerate either well (nose bleeds and other bleeds plus) just Mycophenolate.

[Deiniol in reply to OldTed60]

Thanks, I do cough quite a lot, always have a dry tickly cough especially when lying on my back. I will contact my GP.

[Murp17 in reply to OldTed60]

I find that the rash gets worse depending on what I use to wash I can only use sensitive products so it might be worth while charging what you use. I hope this helps

[Deiniol in reply to Murp17]

Thanks.

[Murp17 in reply to Deiniol]

when my skin is really bad the doctor gave me shower was that is used for people with dry skin. It’s worth while even giving this a try xx

[Deiniol in reply to Murp17]

Thanks

[OldTed60 in reply to Murp17]

thanks but I only use warm water to wash with a bit of QV soap alternative (and a drop of tea tree oil) which I’m prescribed. If real petechiae then it’s caused by tiny burst blood vessels under the skin - a bit like bruising. It doesn’t go away if pressed with a glass.

[BK47]

hi Deiniol

I sometimes get blood blisters on my arms but not face. I struggle with Methotrexate as I’ve mentioned before and I’m hoping I can come off it after I speak to the rheumatologist next week.

I think it affects people in different ways and for myself I don’t think it helps my lupus.

But I think you should check with the rheumatologist’s nurse asap if you are worried x

[Deiniol in reply to BK47]

Thanks.