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Other Names: Blood Spots, Skin Hemorrhages, Purpuric Spots Purpura
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Purpura is purplish or deep reddish discoloration or spots in the skin or
the mucous membrane lining of the mouth. These spots are produced
by damage to the tiny blood vessels
that break (rupture) easily. These blood vessels are near
the surface of the skin or the mucous membrane. Purpura may
also occur
in the internal
organs due to bleeding of minute blood vessels. Very tiny (pinpoint) purpuric
spots are called petechiae and larger ones are called ecchymoses.
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- Non-thrombocytopenic Purpura - The
platelet count is normal.
- Thrombocytopenic
Purpura - The platelet count is decreased.
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- Non-thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Pressure changes during vaginal delivery
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura or anaphylactoid purpura
- Bacterial infection
- Viral infections
- Medications
- Insect bites
- Vaccinations
- Platelet dysfunction due to medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, corticosteroids
- Dietary supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger and ginkgo
can increase your risk of purpuric spots and ecchymoses if you are on
anti-coagulant (blood thinner) treatment.
- Vasculitis
- Hepatitis C and B viruses
- Polyarteritis nodosa.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Sometimes an allergic reaction to a medication,
- Allergic reaction to a medication such as an antibiotic or diuretic
- Senile purpura or aging associated purpura due to increased fragility
of blood vessels as you get older
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Increased aggregation and consumption of platelets as seen in hemangioma
- Medication induced thrombocytopenia due to lack of formation of platelets.
- Meningococcemia
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Viral infections, such as mononucleosis and german measles (rubella)
- Severe bacterial infections
- Bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome
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- Rashes and raised areas of skin.
- Purplish or deep reddish purpuric spots on the buttocks, arms, legs and
feet
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Muscle and joint pain
- Easy bruising
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Abdominal pain due to bleeding in the intestine and
kidneys
- Blood in the
urine or stool
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Purpura by itself is only a sign of other underlying causes of bleeding
such as a problem in blood-clotting mechanism or blood-related disease. Purpuric
spots should be taken seriously if they appear for no apparent reason, if you
are experiencing abnormal bleeding from other sites
such as from your nose, gums or intestines, if the purpuric spots have appeared
after you have started a new medication.
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- Treat the underlying cause or medical condition that might be causing
the purpuric spots by following physician prescribed treatment.
- Avoid trauma (such as bumping or pulling on skin areas) and protect your
skin by wearing long sleeves.
- Protect your skin from sun damage.
- For purpura caused by medications, consult your physician discontinuing
or substituting the medication.
- Consult your physician on a regular basis to monitor your medication dosages
and make any necessary changes or adjustments if you are taking anti-coagulant
treatment.
- Eat a variety of foods including a daily selection of whole-grain and
enriched breads, cereals, grain products, vegetables, fruits, milk, cheese,
yogurt, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dried beans, peas and tofu to avoid
dietary deficiencies.
- Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins C, K, B12, folic acid and calcium
can affect blood clotting.
- Avoid dietary supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger and
ginkgo biloba particularly if you take a blood-thinning medication.
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