Purpura: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Purpura | |||
| image = [[File:HSP_Vasculitis.jpg|left|thumb|Purpura rash on the lower extremities]] | |||
| caption = Purpura rash on the lower extremities | |||
| field = [[Hematology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Red or purple discolorations]] on the skin | |||
| complications = [[Bleeding]], [[anemia]] | |||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| causes = [[Vascular disorders]], [[platelet disorders]], [[coagulation disorders]] | |||
| risks = [[Infections]], [[medications]], [[autoimmune diseases]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[blood tests]], [[skin biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Petechiae]], [[ecchymosis]], [[vasculitis]] | |||
| treatment = Depends on underlying cause; may include [[corticosteroids]], [[immunosuppressants]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies depending on cause | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A condition characterized by purple spots on the skin due to small blood vessel inflammation}} | {{Short description|A condition characterized by purple spots on the skin due to small blood vessel inflammation}} | ||
Purpura is a condition characterized by the appearance of purple spots on the skin, mucous membranes, or organs. These spots are caused by small blood vessels leaking blood under the skin. Purpura can be a sign of a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from minor to serious. | Purpura is a condition characterized by the appearance of purple spots on the skin, mucous membranes, or organs. These spots are caused by small blood vessels leaking blood under the skin. Purpura can be a sign of a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from minor to serious. | ||
== Types of Purpura == | == Types of Purpura == | ||
Purpura can be classified into two main types based on the underlying cause: | Purpura can be classified into two main types based on the underlying cause: | ||
=== Non-thrombocytopenic Purpura === | === Non-thrombocytopenic Purpura === | ||
Non-thrombocytopenic purpura occurs when there is normal platelet count, but the blood vessels are fragile or there is a problem with the blood clotting process. This type includes conditions such as [[Henoch-Schönlein purpura]] (HSP) and [[vasculitis]]. | Non-thrombocytopenic purpura occurs when there is normal platelet count, but the blood vessels are fragile or there is a problem with the blood clotting process. This type includes conditions such as [[Henoch-Schönlein purpura]] (HSP) and [[vasculitis]]. | ||
=== Thrombocytopenic Purpura === | === Thrombocytopenic Purpura === | ||
Thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by a low platelet count, which can result from conditions such as [[immune thrombocytopenic purpura]] (ITP) or [[thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura]] (TTP). | Thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by a low platelet count, which can result from conditions such as [[immune thrombocytopenic purpura]] (ITP) or [[thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura]] (TTP). | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Purpura can result from a variety of causes, including: | Purpura can result from a variety of causes, including: | ||
* [[Vasculitis]], which is inflammation of the blood vessels. | * [[Vasculitis]], which is inflammation of the blood vessels. | ||
* [[Platelet disorders]], such as ITP or TTP. | * [[Platelet disorders]], such as ITP or TTP. | ||
| Line 23: | Line 32: | ||
* [[Infections]], which can damage blood vessels or affect platelet function. | * [[Infections]], which can damage blood vessels or affect platelet function. | ||
* [[Medications]], such as anticoagulants or certain antibiotics. | * [[Medications]], such as anticoagulants or certain antibiotics. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of purpura is the appearance of purple spots on the skin. These spots can vary in size and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause, such as: | The primary symptom of purpura is the appearance of purple spots on the skin. These spots can vary in size and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause, such as: | ||
* Joint pain or swelling, especially in cases of HSP. | * Joint pain or swelling, especially in cases of HSP. | ||
* Fever or malaise. | * Fever or malaise. | ||
* Bleeding from other areas, such as the gums or nose. | * Bleeding from other areas, such as the gums or nose. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of purpura involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include: | Diagnosis of purpura involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include: | ||
* [[Complete blood count]] (CBC) to check platelet levels. | * [[Complete blood count]] (CBC) to check platelet levels. | ||
* [[Coagulation tests]] to assess blood clotting function. | * [[Coagulation tests]] to assess blood clotting function. | ||
* [[Biopsy]] of affected tissue to examine for vasculitis or other abnormalities. | * [[Biopsy]] of affected tissue to examine for vasculitis or other abnormalities. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of purpura depends on the underlying cause. Options may include: | Treatment of purpura depends on the underlying cause. Options may include: | ||
* [[Corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation in cases of vasculitis. | * [[Corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation in cases of vasculitis. | ||
* [[Immunosuppressive drugs]] for autoimmune causes. | * [[Immunosuppressive drugs]] for autoimmune causes. | ||
* [[Plasma exchange]] for TTP. | * [[Plasma exchange]] for TTP. | ||
* [[Intravenous immunoglobulin]] (IVIG) for ITP. | * [[Intravenous immunoglobulin]] (IVIG) for ITP. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Vasculitis]] | * [[Vasculitis]] | ||
* [[Henoch-Schönlein purpura]] | * [[Henoch-Schönlein purpura]] | ||
* [[Immune thrombocytopenic purpura]] | * [[Immune thrombocytopenic purpura]] | ||
* [[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura]] | * [[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Hematology]] | [[Category:Hematology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:36, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Purpura | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Red or purple discolorations on the skin |
| Complications | Bleeding, anemia |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Vascular disorders, platelet disorders, coagulation disorders |
| Risks | Infections, medications, autoimmune diseases |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, blood tests, skin biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Petechiae, ecchymosis, vasculitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause; may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies depending on cause |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
A condition characterized by purple spots on the skin due to small blood vessel inflammation
Purpura is a condition characterized by the appearance of purple spots on the skin, mucous membranes, or organs. These spots are caused by small blood vessels leaking blood under the skin. Purpura can be a sign of a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from minor to serious.
Types of Purpura[edit]
Purpura can be classified into two main types based on the underlying cause:
Non-thrombocytopenic Purpura[edit]
Non-thrombocytopenic purpura occurs when there is normal platelet count, but the blood vessels are fragile or there is a problem with the blood clotting process. This type includes conditions such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and vasculitis.
Thrombocytopenic Purpura[edit]
Thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by a low platelet count, which can result from conditions such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Causes[edit]
Purpura can result from a variety of causes, including:
- Vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Platelet disorders, such as ITP or TTP.
- Coagulation disorders, which affect the blood's ability to clot.
- Infections, which can damage blood vessels or affect platelet function.
- Medications, such as anticoagulants or certain antibiotics.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of purpura is the appearance of purple spots on the skin. These spots can vary in size and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause, such as:
- Joint pain or swelling, especially in cases of HSP.
- Fever or malaise.
- Bleeding from other areas, such as the gums or nose.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of purpura involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) to check platelet levels.
- Coagulation tests to assess blood clotting function.
- Biopsy of affected tissue to examine for vasculitis or other abnormalities.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of purpura depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in cases of vasculitis.
- Immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune causes.
- Plasma exchange for TTP.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for ITP.
