20 Cause of Petechiae and What You Need to Know About Them

Petechiae may look small—but they speak volumes. These pinpoint spots, often red, purple, or brown, form when tiny blood vessels beneath the skin rupture. While they don’t fade under pressure or cause pain, they’re not just cosmetic. Petechiae can signal everything from mild physical strain to serious underlying infections, autoimmune diseases, or medication reactions. The key lies in what comes next: fever, fatigue, chest pain, confusion—these aren’t symptoms to ignore. We’ve expanded our list to 20 Causes of Petechiae and What You Need to Know About Them to help you decode what your body might be trying to say. From everyday culprits like intense coughing or heavy lifting, to more alarming possibilities like endocarditis or meningococcemia, this guide separates harmless from hazardous. Because understanding petechiae isn’t about panic—it’s about paying attention. Whether it’s a warning sign or a passing mark, knowledge gives you the power to act, ask, and advocate. Start here.

1. Injuries And Straining

Injuries and straining could both lead to the formation of petechiae. For example, patients might notice petechiae as a result of sunburn, and these spots could also form on areas of the skin frequently exposed to friction. Students and workers who carry heavy backpacks, purses, or other bags on an almost daily basis may develop petechiae on the shoulders or other areas that backpack and bag straps might rub. Injuries from blunt force trauma, including car accidents, hitting, or biting, may also produce petechiae. Straining from childbirth is a common cause of petechiae for women, and individuals who strain regularly while lifting weights could have petechiae too. Crying, prolonged coughing, and repeated vomiting may result in petechiae as well. In cases of straining, petechiae typically form on the neck, face, and chest, and they tend to be very small in size.