Petechia

Anyone else ever have a rash with little red dots (petichia)? I have an appointment with a dermatologist on Thursday, but was curious if this was anything related to having gastric bypass surgery. It's better than it was initially, but it's been on my arms and upper legs for two months now. Thanks, Pam

I have them all over. Especially on my arms and chest. The ones on my arms are large and the ones on my chest are small. My skin is very thin and tears easily. I have asked my Hemotologist about them but she doesn't seem concerned.

Thanks, yorkiemom. I just don't know what to think about them. I'll let everyone know what the dermatologist has to say.

I never got them prior to my RNY but have gotten them twice since.  One time I'm not sure how, but they appeared on my neck/upper chest and the other time I was coughing really hard one night and woke up with them under and around my eyes!  Weird, but they went away on their own, were "reabsorbed" and I haven't had them since.  I also bruise easily unless I keep up on lots of Vitamin C, so maybe it's all related.  In my research I learned that if they appear suddenly EVERYwhere, not just in specific areas it could be serious and to get it checked out.  My doctor said the ones that are like I had are nothing to worry about. Anyway, the fact you've had them for so long is odd--glad you're seeing the dermatologist.   Good luck! Holly

Holly, Mine are better than they were at first, but still definitely there. I don't bruise easily, but I was on coumadin for a little over a year (I had pulmonary emboli after my gastric bypass usrgery). My doctor took me off it shortly after the rash appeared to see if it was related. It's been two months and those little dots are still there. I would have seen the dermatologist sooner but it took over a month to get an appointment.

Pam

I have had them for years (since my teens) on my right leg and belly and I hate them, especially in the summer while wearing shorts or skirts. I always tell dh that I'm going to make an appt with a dermatologist to see about having them lazered off, but I don't even know if that's what they do for them?? If you get any good info on that could you please pass it along??

I'll let you know what I find out, Tracy. My doctor said that sometimes they never know what causes them. I don't really mind them too much, but would like to know if they are a symptom of something going on that needs to be dealt with.

How are you labs?  Have you had them checked lately? Petechia can be a sign of anemia.  I had a bleed in my breast (post-mastectomy) which left me anemic and noticed that I had quite a few appear the following couple of weeks. Kathy

Kathy, I did just have my labs done and will be seeing my surgeon for my 18 month follow-up the morning before I see the dermatologist. My iron dropped from 75 to 66, but I thought that I was trending up and had reduced my iron supplements - now I know better. My D bottomed out from 57 to 20 (last labs were six months ago). I don't know if that would have any bearing on the petechia. And my ALT is now slightly above the normal range. I don't really understand what that means but am going to ask my surgeon. I'm not much of a poster but I read about your breast cancer. Hope everything is going okay. Pam

i've had ITP since the 80's. it shows up in yout "hemagram with platelets". my platelets are always low, but not too low. they look like pin *****s. had them kinda congregate around my ankles once only, but by the time the dots show up and then someone tests, the platelets are always just a smidge low. important to know this, but i've lived with it for 30+ yrs.