Purpura

A condition characterized by purple spots on the skin due to small blood vessel inflammation

Purpura

Purpura on the lower extremities

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

Purpura can be classified into two main types based on the underlying cause:

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.

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).

Causes

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

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

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

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.

Related pages

• Vasculitis
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura