PETECHIAE, PURPURA, AND ECCHYMOSES

Three terms that refer to bleeding that occurs in the skin are petechiae, purpura, and ecchymoses. Generally, the term "petechiae" refers to smaller lesions. "Purpura" and "ecchymoses" are terms that refer to larger lesions. In certain situations purpura may be palpable. In all situations, petechiae, ecchymoses, and purpura do not blanch when pressed.

Platelet disorders result in a typical pattern of bleeding:

• Multiple petechiae in the skin (typically most evident on the lower legs)
• Scattered small ecchymoses at sites of minor trauma
• Mucosal bleeding (epistaxis, bleeding in the GI and GU tracts, vaginal bleeding)
• Excessive bleeding after surgery