What leads healthy people to be prone to petechiae?

Question

I am prone to petechiae. They've often appeared after treatments I've had that involve suction, including Hydrafacial, Microdermabrasion, and Isolaz. I've also had them appear after IPL laser sessions. I am a healthy individual. What leads healthy people to be prone to petechiae? Does repeated cases of petechiae make me more likely to get permanently dilated, i.e., 'broken', capillaries as I age?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the occurrence of petechiae and their potential long-term effects.

Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by minor bleeding from broken capillaries. Even in healthy individuals, several factors can make someone more prone to developing petechiae, especially after treatments involving suction or pressure, such as Hydrafacial, Microdermabrasion, Isolaz, and IPL laser sessions:

Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals naturally have more sensitive skin or fragile capillaries, which can be more susceptible to breaking under physical pressure or suction.

Genetic Factors: A genetic predisposition can make some people more likely to develop petechiae. If family members also experience similar skin responses, this could be a contributing factor.

Circulatory and Vascular Factors: While you mention being healthy, subtle variations in vascular structure or circulation can influence how your skin responds to certain treatments.

Medications and Supplements: Certain medications or supplements, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories, can increase the likelihood of bruising and petechiae by affecting blood clotting or capillary stability.

Regarding your concern about repeated cases of petechiae leading to permanently dilated or "broken" capillaries (telangiectasia) as you age, there is some potential for this. Repeated trauma to the skin's capillaries can cause them to become permanently dilated over time. To minimize this risk:

Limit Exposure: Consider reducing the frequency of treatments that cause petechiae or explore alternative methods that are gentler on your skin.
Professional Consultation: Discuss your concerns with a dermatologist who can evaluate your skin's condition and recommend personalized skincare or treatment options to minimize petechiae.
Protect Your Skin: Use sun protection and gentle skincare products to maintain the health and resilience of your skin.
It's important to monitor your skin's response to treatments and consult with a healthcare provider if you notice any significant changes or have ongoing concerns.

Best regards,

What leads healthy people to be prone to petechiae?

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What leads healthy people to be prone to petechiae?

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Everything you need to know about HydraFacial

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.