Red or Purple Spots on the Skin
Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Jul 11, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Small red dots on skin
Bruising easily
Skin discoloration
Purple spots on skin
Frequent nosebleeds
Gum bleeding
Tiny red bumps on skin
Purple marks on skin
How Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
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Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Red dots of blood on the skin
- Purple dots on the skin
- Red spots on the skin
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Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizAbout the Symptom
Skin petechiae are small flat red purple marks that appear due to inflammation of blood vessels in the skin.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Dark purple rash on lower limbs
- Recent weight loss
- Difficulty breathing / breathlessness
- Violaceous / purpuric rash
- Easy bruising
- Swelling of the affected area
- Vomiting of blood
- Melena (black stools)
- Gross hematuria
Possible Causes
Generally, Red or purple spots on the skin can be related to:
- IgA Vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein Purpura)
A disease that causes inflammation and bleeding of small blood vessels, commonly affecting the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. This can lead to rashes, stomach pain, and kidney damage. Though it can affect anyone, it is more common in children under 10 years old. The cause is not well understood, but it may result from an immune system issue.
- von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a common genetic blood disorder that impairs blood clotting leading to excess bleeding. In people with vWD, a protein called von Willebrand factor that is critical to blood clotting either does not function properly or is insufficient. As a result, people with vWD bleed more easily.
- Purpura Pigmentosa
Purpura Pigmentosa Progressiva, also known as Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis or Schamberg's Disease, is a skin condition that presents with groups of small red dots inside the skin, usually on the arms and legs that can gradually become more orangish-brown. The exact cause is unknown, but it is caused by inflammation of tiny blood vessels in the skin called capillaries.
- Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Vasculitis (including Cryoglobulinemia)
Congenital Hemophilia
- Sjogren Syndrome
Acquired Hemophilia
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Red or purple spots on the skin may be related to these serious diseases:
- Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g. Addison Disease)
The adrenal gland is an organ that releases hormones to control blood pressure and metabolism. In this condition, there are low hormone levels, and the causes include damage to the adrenal glands themselves or parts of the brain that control the adrenal gland. It can present with darkened areas of skin, extreme loss of body water, also known as dehydration, fatigue, weight loss that doesn't happen on purpose, nausea, vomiting or belly pain, lightheadedness or fainting, salt cravings, muscle or joint pains.
- Leukemia
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have small red dots resembling bleeding under the skin?
- Do you have bleeding dots on your fingers?
- How long have you had purple bleeding spots (purple rash) on your skin?
- Have you had purple bleeding spots (purple rash) on your skin before?
- How has the purple bleeding spots (purple rash) changed since it first appeared?
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Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizFind Similar Symptoms
Symptoms from similar body parts
Symptoms treated by the same specialty
References
McGrath A, Barrett MJ. Petechiae. [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482331/
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
What People Say about Ubie?
Male, 30s
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(Sep 29, 2024)
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My experience was great. I was worried, but the symptom checker helped me narrow down what it might be. I feel a little relieved compared to when I first started, and it gives me a starting point for what my symptoms could mean.
(Sep 27, 2024)
Male, 50s
The questions asked and possible causes seemed spot on, putting me at ease for a next-step solution.
(Sep 26, 2024)
Female, 40s
I was actually very impressed with the results it provided because, although I didn’t mention it during the questionnaire because I thought it was unrelated, it suggested I may have something I’ve actually been diagnosed with in the past.
(Sep 25, 2024)
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