#Purple heart meaning illness skin#

Purpura that is not associated with lower platelet levels (nonthrombocytopenic purpura) has a range of causes and risk factors, including: To treat purpura, doctors must determine its cause. However, a person can speak with their doctor or dermatologist about options for reducing or improving the appearance of these marks. No treatment is necessary for this type of purpura.

Some hyperpigmentation may remain after the purpura resolves. However, they typically fade within 1–2 weeks. These patches of ruptured blood vessels can look dark purple or brown. There may also be an increased incidence in people who take aspirin, anticoagulants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). This type of purpura is more common in older adults, and risk increases with age, affecting up to 1 in 4 of those ages 90–100 years. Other names for this include solar purpura, senile purpura, traumatic purpura, and Bateman’s disease.

#Purple heart meaning illness skin#

Over time, reductions in subcutaneous fat and connective tissue and long-term sun exposure can lead to increased bruising of mature skin due to minor trauma. However, some people with Henoch-Schönlein purpura experience dangerous inflammation that leads to kidney problems.Ī range of underlying medical conditions can cause both kinds of purpura. More common among young children, this type of purpura frequently precedes a respiratory infection.

One of the most-studied varieties of purpura is Henoch-Schönlein purpura, a nonthrombocytopenic version of purpura. Nonthrombocytopenic purpura happens when platelet levels are normal, suggesting another cause. This leaves them more at risk of the bleeding that creates purpura’s typical rash. Patients with ITP experience platelet destruction in the bloodstream. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), formerly referred to as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is a form of purpura with an unknown cause. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) means that platelet counts are low, suggesting an underlying clotting disorder.Ī low platelet count can cause excessive bleeding and bruising. Platelets are cell fragments that help blood to clot more effectively, preventing dangerous bleeding. Doctors often break purpura rashes into two categories based on platelet counts.