PURPURA Meaning and
Definition
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Purpura is a medical term used to describe a type of skin rash characterized by small, flat spots that appear on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. These spots vary in size and shape, typically ranging from pinpoint-sized to larger patches. They are usually purple, red, or brown in color due to the leakage of blood beneath the skin.
The development of purpura is primarily caused by bleeding or hemorrhaging from small blood vessels, particularly in the skin or mucous membranes. This condition can be the result of various underlying causes, such as immune disorders, infections, coagulation disorders, or certain medications. It can also occur due to physical trauma or injury.
Purpura can be categorized into different types based on its underlying cause, distribution, or other characteristics. For instance, Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a common form that affects children and is often associated with joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Other types include idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), where the immune system destroys platelets leading to bleeding, and drug-induced purpura which occurs as an adverse effect of certain medications.
Diagnosis of purpura typically involves a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and possibly additional tests such as blood tests or skin biopsies. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms, ranging from addressing the primary condition to supportive care, such as pain management or immunosuppressive medications. It is crucial to seek medical attention if purpura is persistent, recurrent, or associated with other concerning symptoms.
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An affection characterized by hemorrhage into the skin, the color being at first red, becoming gradually darker, then purple, fading to a brownish yellow, and finally, in the course of two or three weeks, disappearing; it may result in a permanent pigmentation; extravasations occur also into the mucous membranes and internal organs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In med., a disease, having several varieties, in which small distinct purple specks and patches appear on the skin.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PURPURA
Etymology of PURPURA
The word "purpura" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Latin word "purpura", which meant "purple dye" or "purple fish". This Latin term was derived from the Greek word "porphyra", which had a similar meaning.
The Greek word "porphyra" indicated both the color purple and the shellfish that produced a purple dye. The ancient Phoenicians and later the Greeks and Romans extracted this dye from the gland of a specific sea snail of the genus "Murex", which tinted fabrics in an exquisite shade of purple. This dye was highly valuable and associated with royalty, as it was expensive to produce.
Over time, the Latin "purpura" adopted a broader meaning, referring not only to the dye but also to the color purple itself.
Similar spelling words for PURPURA
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