What Causes Petechiae?

Vitamin K Deficiency

A vitamin K deficiency is rare in the majority of individuals because vitamin K is plentiful across a wide range of foods. Vitamin K1 is found in plants, particularly kale, spinach, and other leafy greens. Vitamin K2 is created by the body inside the intestinal tract. This vitamin is necessary for blood clotting, which helps prevent excessive internal and external bleeding. If individuals have a vitamin K deficiency, their body might not be able to clot as well, which can lead to blood vessel damage that presents as petechiae and abnormal bruising. Without vitamin K, the body is incapable of creating the proteins that clot the blood. Bleeding too much is the main symptom of vitamin K deficiency. In addition to bruising and petechiae, patients might find they experience nosebleeds, bleeding gums when brushing their teeth, and minor abrasions that bleed for much longer than they usually would. There's also some evidence indicating vitamin K has an effect on bone health, but scientists haven't yet drawn a conclusive link. When vitamin K deficiencies do occur, it's usually due to a medical condition that prevents the body from creating enough vitamin K2. Certain medications can also keep the body from creating or absorbing vitamin K the way it's supposed to.

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