Diving Into the Spectrum of Bruises: Your Guide to the Top Five Types You Should Know About

Petechiae – Tiny, Pinpoint Bruises

Petechiae differ from other bruises by their size and cause. These are minute, pinpoint-sized hemorrhages that occur when capillaries, the tiniest blood vessels in your body, break open.

They display as small red, purplish or brown spots, and you might often see them in groups, showing as a rash. They are most usually noticed around the ankles and feet due to the effects of gravity on blood.

Interestingly, petechiae are usually not caused by injury or trauma. They can be provoked by various conditions and actions that exert pressure on the body, such as intense coughing, high-voltage electrical shocks, certain medications, or systemic diseases like dengue, connective tissue disorders or severe infections.