Petechiae - Worried

[Justtryingmybestest]

(I have severe health anxiety)

Over the last few years, I have developed Petechiae, which comes and goes. Sometimes on back of legs and sometime on my arms (picture attached). They are often symmetrical so have always wondered if it's something I wear. But sometimes have a random spot here or there.

My blood tests are normal including normal iron and I feel fine. I have a drs appointment on Tuesday about it. But convinced myself that I have cancer. It comes and goes - I've had it twice in the same place over the last few weeks but have had this a year ago too.

Any feedback much appreciated

Looks like something has been digging or rubbing to cause it. I get it sometimes, it's normal and nothing to worry about.

At some point after my second pregnancy I started seeing similar marks on my body - it’s always after I carried a heavy bag that had dug into my skin, wore something too tight etc. First time it gave me a right fright but my MIL helped me trace it back to said heavy shopping bag really quickly. They usually disappear the next day. Didn’t even know they have a name!

Thank you for your kind responses. I have a bit of a side question about this topic - I have severe health anxiety. My therapist has said to avoid going to doctors unless actually needed as it just continues health anxiety rather than solves it.

This morning I have an appointment about these patches on my skin (always creases of my arms or behind knees) - most of them have gone but one Ive had for a week now but reduced. I've seen a doctor a year before who said he wasn't worried. I had blood work a week ago about something else that is compleltly normal Including platlet counts. Anyway - do you think I need to see a doctor for this? I feel strange cancelling it as it goes against every fibre of my being as I think 'blood cancer' but I want to fight my health anxiety but also don't want to miss something serious.

If you want to fight your health anxiety then posting here about that anxiety won’t help.

I agree but I've realised that I need to take things one step at a time - even considering cancelling an appointment for a GP is HUGE for me and as you can see, troubling. I need a little help of pushing me in the right direction - whatever that direction may be. Once I've tackled going to the doctors, then I will tackle 'mumsnet' 🤣 Going cold turkey for reassurence seeking is not working for me right now

You should go to the GP and ask him to refer you for therapy to address your anxiety.

If you saw the GP a year ago and he wasn't concerned and you had blood work done only last week, which was normal - I don't think you need to go. I understand health anxiety is horrible, but your therapist is correct, unless you are really unwell (which from what you say, you're not), then going to see your GP only heightens your anxiety. The rash is slowly disappearing, and when my son has similar when he's had a virus, it can take awhile to go completely, so it might take longer to fully disappear.

thats from carrying a bag

But it’s just feeding the anxiety OP. You need to use the techniques your therapist will have taught you.

of course it is caused by your clothing rubbing

If you go to the GP, make it about the anxiety.
Those marks are really normal.

Your flippant comment doesn't help either.
Do you hover over these posts just to spank people with anxiety?
Perhaps you ought to seek help yourself.

Not your first poke either, is it?

It’s not flippant at all. It’s true and as someone who has suffered with health anxiety I know just how true.