What can cause purpura on legs?

What causes purpura?

• disorders that affect blood clotting.
• certain congenital disorders, present at or before birth, such as telangiectasia (fragile skin and connective tissue) or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• certain medications, including steroids and those that affect platelet function.
• weak blood vessels.

How do you treat purpura on legs?

How is senile purpura treated? In most cases, there is no treatment required for senile purpura. However, some people dislike the appearance of the bruises and seek treatment. Your doctor can prescribe topical retinoids that thicken your skin to prevent further skin aging.

Why are my legs purple and blotchy?

Livedo reticularis is thought to be due to spasms of the blood vessels or an abnormality of the circulation near the skin surface. It makes the skin, usually on the legs, look mottled and purplish, in sort of a netlike pattern with distinct borders. Sometimes livedo reticularis is simply the result of being chilled.

How do you treat purpura?

– Rest and protect a bruised area. – Ice will reduce pain and swelling. – Compression, or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. – Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down.

Is purpura dangerous?

Purpura Complications. Because purpura is a symptom, letting it go untreated can pose great health risks. For example, both blood clotting and internal bleeding can be life-threatening. Allergic purpura, or HSP, can result in kidney damage if ignored or untreated, and can also lead to severe and potentially fatal bowel obstructions.

Is purpura bad?

Senile purpura is not dangerous and is completely benign, but unless changes are made, the condition is likely to be recurring. Wearing sunblock can help protect your skin from further sun damage. Most purpuric lesions last between one and three weeks, though the discoloration may be permanent after they fade.

What is purpura a symptom of?

Purpura, also known as skin hemorrhages or blood spots, can signal a number of medical problems, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening infections. Purpura is a symptom rather than a disease in itself, and there are a number of potential causes. In this article, we will explain what purpura is, why it happens, its diagnosis, and treatment.