Petechia

Hi all, hope your well! I am a 30yr old female and I have an Underactive thyroid. No other health problems I am aware of. I have noticed blood spots on my skin for as long as I can remeber but only the odd few here and there. Within the last few weeks I’ve noticed them spread over my body. I went to the gp had bloods all normal. He could not be any less concerned if he tried. Unfortunatly that wasn’t good enough for me. I suffer with severe health anxiety. Whilst I agree it may not be cancer as no other symptoms ( apart from bruising easy )  I still am wondering what is causing these dots. They do not happen for no reason and I’m making myself poorly wondering what it is. I guess what I’m looking for is anyone else who has them who has had them for years and it’s not been cancer and maybe diagnosed with something else? He said sometimes people get them for no reason and they’ll go on their own. Currently they are not fading Infact spreading. I am terrified it a leukaemia or type of blood disorder. It’s ruining my life and affecting my relationships with others. Due to my history of health anxiety they think I’m overreacting. However when you can see physical spots it’s hard not to spiral. My sister has a rare form of vasticulitis and my other sister had thyroid cancer.

  • Hello Anna

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with health anxiety particularly surrounding the petechia that you've recently noticed. 

    It's good to hear that the GP you saw didn't have any immediate concerns but I can understand that you're still anxious about why these spots have appeared and how in turn your health anxiety is impacting the relationships with those around you. 

    There is some helpful information on the NHS website about managing health anxiety that you may find useful to read through and you might want to read through some of the advice on the NHS Every Mind Matters website as well. 

    It certainly sounds as if making an appointment to see one of the GPs at your surgery for advice and support about managing your health anxiety could be a good idea and I hope that you can reach out to them in the new year to do that. 

    I hope that you can get some answers and support Anna and that things improve for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator