How to Treat Pinpoint Petechiae: 21 Natural Home Remedies
What is Petechiae?
They are mostly said to be small, dark red, purple or maroon spots that tend to often develop on the skin. They are caused due to broken capillaries that often lead to subdermal or submucosal bleeding. These mostly get resolved without any kind of medical treatment and hence are not a big concern. Petechiae is known to be quite common within the general population, however it is more frequently observed in patients with platelet or coagulation disorders. In some cases, if the petechiae are large in size, then medical treatment or home remedies may be needed.
Petechiae usually lasts for about 2 weeks. A minimum of 2-3 weeks is required for them to heal completely. However, the time taken for the complete healing process would basically depend on the severity of the medical condition in the individual. Hence, it is good to visit a doctor if petechiae keeps coming or if there is no particular reason for getting them. Following the appropriate medical treatment or using natural home remedies would help to correct the condition.
Usually, petechiae are trivial matter. Even among the general public, the condition is widespread. Sometimes, bigger spots are formed by combination of different petechiae and they occupy a bigger area. The diameter of these spots may range in centimeters. They are referred to as purpura. Sometimes, some petechiae spots are smaller in size. These are called ecchymosis.
Petechiae can be distinguished from other spots. When force is applied, they do not get decolorized and they are not noticeable easily. More often, they are found in feet and ankles, although they may exist in face and neck also. Petechiae is absent on the soles of the feet, the reason being the absence of fatty tissue in that area.
Causes of Petechiae
Specific factors can trigger its development. These factors are:
- Aging skin
- Direct trauma caused due to injury that has led to capillary damage
- Elevation in the abdominal pressure all of a sudden or sudden elevation in the cranial pressure due to sneezing, laughing, vomiting or stool straining
- Low platelet count
- Certain medications such as warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel and some other medications
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy of cancer patients or leukemic patients
- Septicemia or bacteremia causing infections
- Auto immune disorders
To pinpoint the exact cause, various tests are done. The treatment is based on the underlying cause. Investigation is done by:
- Partial thromboplastin time
- Prothrombin time
- Bleeding time
- Platelet count
To measure the different blood cell proportion, full blood count is done.
21 Home Remedies for Petechiae
Usually petechiae require no treatment and resolve in few days, but some home remedies can help to prevent the formation of petechiae spots.
Cold compresses
Cold compression is said to be one of the best home remedies to get rid of petechiae. Inflammation of the skin can be reduced by doing cold compress therapy. For doing this, you need an ice pack and a small towel. Put the ice pack wrapped in a towel on the inflamed or affected area, for around 15 minutes to 20 minutes. It gives some relief. Cold water could be used instead of an ice pack.
Baking soda
One more effective home remedy is baking soda. Baking soda is known to help in getting rid of petechiae with passage of time by the help of skin lightening properties. To make a thick paste, mix 5 tablespoons of soda and coconut oil. Apply it on the affected skin or petechiae. Keep it for ten minutes and then use a damp towel to rub off the paste. For best results, use this remedy for a week.
Lemon juice
For getting rid of petechiae quickly, lemon juice is another effective remedy. Since lemon is known to contain skin lightening properties, it acts like a natural bleach. It would also help in building collagen as it contains lot of vitamin C. You need to mix 2 tablespoons raw milk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and two teaspoon honey. Mix it in a jar and make it a liquid paste. Apply it on the petechiae or red spots for two weeks once in a week. You can get the expected results.
Tomato juice
It helps in removing spots from the skin. It is an excellent remedy to get rid of petechiae. Take the pulp of the tomato by cutting it in half and applying this pulp on the petechiae spots or on your face. Keep it for about 20 minutes and then wash it off. It will give you best results.
Witch hazel
Another home remedy for petechiae is the bark of witch hazel. It is an astringent, so it can give relief from itchy skin rashes. It also relives serious skin conditions. It can treat sunburns as well since it also contains antioxidant properties. Take the bark of witch hazel and simmer it in water. Let it rest for ten minutes. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool. Then, with the help of a clean cloth, Once it is cool, apply this cooled mixture on the affected area and leave it for 30 minutes. Using fresh bark of witch hazel will yield better results.
Chamomile tea
To cool irritated skin, another good remedy is chamomile. It has antifungal properties and antibacterial properties, which promote faster healing. Soak a piece of cloth in the chamomile tea. Use it as a compress on the affected area. Take it off in about 10-15 minutes. Do this 2-3 times for two days for good results. If required, dilute 2 teaspoons of carrier or coconut oil with chamomile oil.
Olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a wonderful remedy for petechiae. It enhances healing of the skin and also moisturizes the skin. It helps in reducing itching and at the same time soothes the skin. Mix honey along with turmeric and extra virgin olive oil. On the affected skin area, you can either apply only olive oil or a combination of honey and olive oil in equal proportions. Do this a few times daily. You can also use coconut and castor oil apart from olive oil. For treating petechiae, you can also combine olive oil with vitamin E oil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also an effective remedy since it has antibacterial properties, so it enables faster healing of the skin. Take some aloe vera leaves and boil it in water. Make an extract of the aloe vera juice and apply this juice extract on the red spots or petechiae. Leave it for about 30 minutes and then wash it with cold water. Until you get the best results, apply the gel twice in a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
In petechiae, itching on red spots can be calmed down using apple cider vinegar. It also helps in treating skin rashes. The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar helps to fight off skin infections. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and put it gently on the affected skin area. Remove the cotton ball after few minutes. Repeat this remedy many times till the results show up. Dilute the apple cider vinegar if it irritates your skin. Dilution will prevent further irritation of the skin.
Egg white
It helps get rid of red spots or petechiae of face. Separate the egg white from the yolk. Take a clean q-tip and dip it in the egg white. Apply this on the affected skin region and leave it to dry for about 15 minutes and then wash it with some cold water.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has soothing properties and it helps in getting rid of skin inflammation and irritation. It is excellent remedy to treat skin rashes and skin conditions such as sunburn and eczema. You can use this as a good home remedy for petechiae as well. For this, you would need to prepare a remedy by taking the oatmeal powder and one quarter cup of milk powder and mix both in 2 teaspoons of honey. Simply grind the oatmeal powder in a food processor. Mix one cup of this grounded oatmeal powder in warm water. Soak the affected area of the skin in it for 15-20 minutes.
Coconut oil
One of the best home remedies for all sorts of skin problems is coconut oil. It is effective for both, major and minor skin problems. Coconut oil is very helpful in treating red spots and allergies. Apply the coconut oil with your fingertips on the skin rashes, red dots or petechiae. Do this during the day time and at night as well before you go to sleep.
Calendula oil
The antiinflammatory properties of calendula oil soothe dry skin, skin irritation, bruises, eczema, wounds. It also has astringent properties. Apply calendula oil on the affected skin area and just leave it for a few hours. Apply it twice a day till petechiae is healed. Instead of calendula oil, you can use calendula lotion, cream or ointment. Apply it till the rash disappears.
Cinnamon
It has antiseptic properties that soothe the skin and relieves it from irritations. Mix 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder with 3 tablespoons honey. Apply this paste on the petechiae spots and wash it off after 5 minutes. Pat the skin dry.
Basil leaves
Basil leaves are found to be very beneficial for skin infections. Its anti-irritant properties help to treat red rashes on the face and skin. Grind basil leaves and to that add salt, olive oil, pepper ad crushed cloves and apply it on the affected area.
Coriander leaves
Coriander leaves treat skin rashes and fights itchy skin. It has an inviting and calming scent. Take enough number of coriander leaves that can be grinded without water. After grinding, apply the paste on the affected skin area. Keep it for 30 minutes before washing it off. Repeat this procedure two times in a day for about 2-3 days to get effective results. Alternatively, you can boil coriander seeds in water, make a tea out of it. This drink is said to be very helpful to get rid of petechiae and other skin problems.
Banana peels
Banana peels contain a compound that helps treat problems related to skin. Rub the banana peel on the affected skin area in a circular motion for about 15 minutes. Wash the area with regular water.
Sugar scrub
Exfoliation helps in removing the red spots or petechiae of the face. Sugar scrub acts as an exfoliator. Take half cup of sugar, two tablespoons of honey and two tablespoons of raw milk. Mix all these together for about five minutes. Rub it all over your face. Wash off the solution with cold water. Eventually, the spots will fade away.
Potato
To get rid of petechiae quickly, another home remedy is use of potato. Rub a cut potato on the affected skin area for 15 minutes. Wash it off.
Sandalwood powder
Another home remedy is the use of sandalwood powder. Grind a piece of sandalwood on sandstone. To this powder, mix rose water and make a paste out of it. Apply this paste on the affected skin area and leave the paste on the skin till it dries off. To see the result, wash your face with clean water.
Margosa leaves
Take a handful of margosa leaves and boil it in water. Allow it to cool and then dip a cotton ball in this solution and apply on the affected skin region. Leave the solution on the skin for at least 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
Other Natural methods
The most significant homeopathic drug that is helpful in battling petechiae is Arnica Montana. It also treats the hemorrhage spots.
Liver function can be enhanced by dandelions. The properties of blood coagulation can be enhanced by using dandelions. They prevent the spots from occurring again.
Also, chlorella and spirulina help in the detoxification process. They also help in treating the underlying cause such as rheumatoid arthritis that is causing the condition. Eyebright and stinging nettle are also useful herbal remedies.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are many other herbal remedies which help to reduce the bleeding under the skin. These include lotus root, peppermint and rehmannia root.
To improve your skin health, apply avocado oil or walnut oil. It is known to improve the texture and elasticity of the skin and also prevent petechiae outbreak.
