How to check safely
Look at the spots in good lighting.
If the skin is not painful or injured, gently press a clean, clear drinking glass against the affected area.
Observe whether the spots visibly fade under the pressure.
Release the pressure and look again.
Spots that remain visible may be non-blanching, which can be consistent with petechiae or larger areas of bleeding under the skin, called purpura.
Do not use the test to rule out a serious illness. Some dangerous rashes may blanch early in their course, and the test can be difficult to interpret on different skin tones. If someone is seriously unwell, do not delay medical care to perform it or repeat it.
- Why Do Petechiae Often Appear on the Lower Legs and Ankles?
The lower legs are a common place to notice certain forms of small-vessel bleeding, including some conditions associated with inflammation of the blood vessels.
Pressure, friction, prolonged activity, and physical strain may contribute to localized spots in some circumstances. For example, intense coughing, vomiting, or straining can sometimes cause petechiae, particularly around the face and upper body.
