14. Petechial Rashes

Petechial rashes are small, purplish spots that form on the skin as a result of blood spilling out from ruptured capillaries. These ruptures can be brought about by different factors, such as the increase in blood perfusion to the small vessels as in the case of influenza; or as a result of a decrease in clotting factors as in the case of dengue. Presence of these rashes should alert patients to the possibility of other, more dangerous infections such as dengue, and should prompt them to seek medical consult immediately.