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Petechiae

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Updated October 30, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:
Petechiae are minute red or purple spots on the skin that do not turn pale when pressure is applied. Petechiae are caused by tiny hemorrhages. They may appear as a side effect of medications, especially drugs used in chemotherapy but also some psychiatric meds, including: and others.
Pronunciation: peh-TEEK-ee-eye
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