Purpura: Overview
Purpura is Discoloration of skin or mucous membrane due to extravasation of blood from vessels as well as from damage or lack of support of vasculature.They could appear brownish-black on people with a dark skin and reddish-purple on people with lighter skin. A blood spot or a bruise may arise under your skin if you have a purpura.
They develop when tiny blood vessels under the skin's surface causing Bleeding . Purpura is not a medical issue. Drug interactions, nutritional deficiencies, and hereditary diseases can also result in Purpura.
Purpura are of different types depending upon the underlying ailment that's causing them, they are classified. Bleeding or bruising beneath the skin should be treated by a physician since it might be an indication of a more severe problem.
Types
Doctors often differentiate purpura rashes into two categories based on platelet counts. They are:
- Thrombocytopenic purpura
- Nonthrombocytopenic Purpura
Symptoms
A purplish-red rash under the skin is the main symptom of Purpura. This rash may look black or dark brown on those with darker skin tones. It can appear anywhere on the body, including mucous membranes like the mouth lining, might develop the rash. Purpura's symptoms can occasionally be used to determine its underlying cause. Patients should seek medical attention if they suspect having Purpura and any of the following symptoms:
- Low platelet counts might cause more bleeding after injuries, bleeding gums or noses, or blood in the urine or bowel movements.
- Joints that are sore and swollen, especially in the ankles and knees
- Stomach discomfort or digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
- Kidney issues, especially if there is protein or blood in the urine
- Excessive fatigue
When To See a Doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if you notice Purpura or any blood spots, patches, or skin discoloration. The presence of Purpura may indicate a severe illness or underlying problem. For instance, if purpura is associated with a blood clotting disease or low platelet count, it can lead to severe complications . At times, purpura is not dangerous and can be treated.
Causes
A low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia), other blood clotting diseases, or other causes can contribute to purpura.
Thrombocytopenic purpura can be caused by:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
- Recent blood transfusions
- Certain viral infections
- Medications
- Infections in the blood
- Immune disorders
- HIV
- Hepatitis C
Non-thrombocytopenic Purpura may be due to:
- Cocaine abuse
- Weak blood vessels
- Blood clotting disorders
- Inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis,
- Certain congenital conditions,
- Infections in the blood
- Scurvy/Vitamin C deficiency
- Certain medications, e.g., steroids.
- Radiation poisoning
Risk factors
As purpura is a symptom of another condition, it does not have any risk factors on its own. It can occur due to various reasons which includes:
- Poor blood vessel health
- Blood clotting issues due to medications or disease
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- Some forms of cancer, like leukaemia and myeloma
- Infectious disease
- Inflammatory conditions or disorders
Complications
Untreated purpura caused by a blood clotting disease might result in life-threatening bleeding. A patient's risk of serious complications can be reduced by promptly diagnosing and treating the underlying cause.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura patients may develop kidney damage; this damage may require dialysis or a kidney transplant and, if unchecked, might be fatal.
Additionally, purpura has been linked to an uncommon disorder known as self-folding intestinal blockage, which impairs digestion. If untreated, bowel blockages can be lethal.
ITP can occasionally result in cerebral haemorrhage, which, if not adequately treated, can lead to irreversible brain damage or even death.
Prevention
The only preventive method is avoiding the factors that cause it .
Don't use aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinners. These drugs may exacerbate purpura. Ask your healthcare provider how long you need to stop these medicines.
- Protect your body from injury: Cuts or scratches may result in difficult-to-control bleeding. Use an electric razor. When cleaning the dishes or gardening, put on gloves. When using knives or other sharp objects, practice caution. Always buckle up in a car.
- Do not play contact sports: Sports involving contact, like football or boxing, can result in bleeding that is difficult to manage.
- Control bleeding: Put pressure on wounds or scratches slowly and firmly. Raise the area, if you can, above the level of the heart. If the nose starts to bleed, squeeze the top of it and place a tissue at the aperture. Continuously do this to stop the bleeding.
Diagnosis
To identify purpura, the doctor will examine the skin, and they could inquire about the family's medical history and also past medical history, including when the spots first appeared. In addition to blood and platelet counts, your doctor could also take a Coagulation Profile ,Occult Blood tests of Urine & Stool & skin biopsy,
These tests will aid in determining whether a more severe issue, such as a platelet or blood problem, is the cause of the Purpura. Platelet counts can establish the origin of Purpura and assist your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment option.
Children and adults are both prone to Purpura, and children who get it followed by a viral illness typically recover fully independently. Within a few months of the disorder's start, most children with thrombocytopenic Purpura fully recover. However, the causes of Purpura in adults are typically long-lasting, necessitating medical attention to help control symptoms and maintain healthy platelet counts.
Treatment
Purpura treatment involves treating the underlying cause. Commonly used therapies include:
- Medicines: Steroids can help patients have more platelets. Medicines and other drugs can prevent the immune system from interfering with your platelets if an immune system issue is the cause of your Purpura.
- Transfusions: Getting a healthy blood or platelet transfusion through an IV can help increase platelet levels.
- Splenectomy: Since the spleen stores platelets, removing it surgically can be a safe treatment option in order to decrease the High platelet Count
There could be a need for further treatments. In the case of Henoch-Schönlein purpura, the doctor could advise hemodialysis. When the kidneys cannot do so, this technique filters waste materials out of the blood. The doctor might advise stopping any drugs you are currently taking that prevent your blood from clotting.
Do’s and Don’ts
A more serious issue may be indicated by purpura (or blood spots) on your skin. If you notice any bruises, blotches, or discoloured areas on the skin, get in contact with the doctor. Purpura treatment is identifying the underlying ailment or disease and treating it. A blood clotting disease or low platelet counts, for example, may increase your risk of developing purpura. Purpura is often not dangerous and becomes better with therapy. The following dos and don'ts might assist with symptom management.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Include fruits and vegetables in the diet | Take blood thinners without consulting the doctor |
| Take medicines as prescribed by the doctor. | Eat concentrated foods as they may interfere with clotting. |
| Eat foods containing healthy fats. | Eat foods containing high amounts of saturated fats. |
| Monitor the condition if it worsens | Eat processed foods and canned foods |
| Avoid heavy smoking and drinking | Treat the condition by yourself |
To fight this condition, take care of yourself and make your immunity strong while seeking adequate medical care.
Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we work with the most respected Dermatologists and healthcare specialists who can provide our patients with the best medical care while showing them compassion and care. To address the condition of thorough treatment, recovery, and well-being, we adopt a holistic approach with the active participation of healthcare specialists from different departments, each with their specific specialty. Modern tools and technology are available in our diagnostic section to carry out the necessary tests for Purpura diagnosis. Our outstanding Dermatologists approach the condition's diagnosis and treatment methodically. They deliver the required medical care and therapeutic, rehabilitative services to treat this illness effectively.
