Purpuras, plural form of "purpura," refers to a medical term that encompasses a group of disorders characterized by the presence of purple or red-colored spots or patches on the skin or mucous membranes. These discolored areas are caused by bleeding under the skin due to the leakage of blood from small blood vessels, known as capillaries.
Purpuras occur as a result of various underlying causes such as trauma, blood clotting disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications. The severity of purpuras can vary, with some cases showing only a few scattered spots, while others may present with large, extensive patches covering significant areas of the body.
The most common type of purpura is known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which is an autoimmune disorder that leads to a decreased number of platelets in the blood. This condition usually manifests with purpuric spots, easy bruising, and excessive bleeding. Another type is Henoch-Schönlein purpura, predominantly seen in children, characterized by abdominal pain, joint pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms, in addition to the classic purpuric rash.
The diagnosis of purpuras is often made based on the characteristic appearance of the skin or mucous membrane lesions, along with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests, such as blood tests, may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of the purpura.
Treatment of purpuras primarily depends on addressing the underlying cause. It may involve supportive measures, such as rest and elevation of the affected body part, or the management of the specific disease contributing to the purpura.
