(See also Overview of Vascular Bleeding Disorders Overview of Vascular Bleeding Disorders Bleeding may result from abnormalities in Platelets Coagulation factors Blood vessels Vascular bleeding disorders result from defects in blood vessels, typically causing cutaneous or mucosal... read more .)
Purpura refers to purplish cutaneous or mucosal lesions caused by hemorrhage. Small lesions (< 2 mm) are termed petechiae, and large lesions are termed ecchymoses or bruises.
Purpura simplex is extremely common. The cause and mechanism are unknown. Purpura simplex may represent a heterogeneous group of disorders or merely a variation of normal.
The risk of purpura simplex may increase in patients who have
Treatment with aspirin or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
A low body weight
Prior exposure to corticosteroids
Sun exposure
The disorder usually affects women.
Bruises develop on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms in people without known trauma. The history usually reveals no other abnormal bleeding, but easy bruising may be present in family members. Serious bleeding does not occur.
The platelet count and tests of platelet function, blood coagulation, and fibrinolysis are normal.
All patients should be evaluated for the possibility of physical abuse.
No drug prevents the bruising, and no treatment is needed. Patients are often advised to avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medications. Patients should be reassured that the condition is not serious.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
aspirin |
Anacin Adult Low Strength, Aspergum, Aspir-Low, Aspirtab , Aspir-Trin , Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Womens Aspirin , BeneHealth Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose, DURLAZA, Easprin , Ecotrin, Ecotrin Low Strength, Genacote, Halfprin, MiniPrin, St. Joseph Adult Low Strength, St. Joseph Aspirin, VAZALORE, Zero Order Release Aspirin, ZORprin |
warfarin |
Coumadin, Jantoven |
