What is the Difference Between Petechiae and Cherry Angioma?

Petechiae and cherry angioma are two distinct skin conditions that can appear similar but have key differences:

Petechiae:

• Tiny spots due to bleeding under the skin or in the mucous membranes.
• Color: Red, purple, or brown.
• Size: Usually less than 3 mm in diameter.
• Shape: Round.
• Location: Can be seen anywhere on the body, often in clusters.
• Causes: Various, including injury, medications like blood thinners, infections like dengue, low platelet count, and other health conditions.
• Duration: Fade within 3-4 days.
• Texture: Flat.

Cherry Angioma:

• Small benign growth on the skin.
• Color: Deep red or cherry pink.
• Size: Can be larger than petechiae, typically less than an inch in diameter.
• Shape: Round.
• Location: Usually found on the torso, arms, and legs.
• Causes: Unknown exact causes.
• Duration: Permanent unless removed.
• Texture: Slightly raised.

To differentiate between the two, cherry angiomas are generally deep red or cherry pink, larger than petechiae, and appear in isolation rather than clusters. Petechiae, on the other hand, are flat and fade within 3-4 days. Cherry angiomas are benign skin growths, while petechiae arise due to underlying conditions or factors causing blood to leak into the skin.

Comparative Table: Petechiae vs Cherry Angioma

Here is a table comparing the differences between petechiae and cherry angioma:

Petechiae are small, flat, red, purple, or brown spots on the skin that appear due to bleeding into the skin, while cherry angiomas are slightly raised, bright red spots on the skin that are benign skin growths with unknown exact causes.