Purpura

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Purpura

are purple or red spots on the skin or mucus membranes. Purpura happen when blood leaks from blood vessels and collects under the skin or mucus membrane.

Common signs and symptoms include the following:

Purpura may happen anywhere in your body. They may be raised or flat, and different sizes. You may have other symptoms depending on what is causing your purpura. If purpura is caused by an infection, you may have a fever or pain in the infected body part. If purpura is caused by a bleeding problem, you may have bleeding in other parts of your body.

Call 911 for any of the following:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss

Seek care immediately if:

• You have bleeding that does not stop or a bruise that suddenly gets bigger.
• You vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Your arm or leg looks bigger than normal and feels warm, tender, or painful.
• You suddenly feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have bleeding from your gums, mouth, or nose.
• You have irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding.
• You have blood in your urine or bowel movement.
• You see more bruises or red or purple spots on your skin.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for purpura

may depend on what has caused it. Medicine may be needed to treat an infection or control bleeding. You may need other treatments or procedures to control or stop large amounts of bleeding. Your current medicines may need to be stopped or changed.

Self-care:

• Do not take NSAIDs, aspirin, or blood thinner medicine. These medicines can make purpura worse. Ask your healthcare provider how long you need to stop these medicines.
• Protect your body from injury. Cuts or scrapes may cause bleeding that is difficult to control. Use an electric shaver. Wear gloves when you wash the dishes or garden. Be careful when you use knives or other sharp items. Always wear a seatbelt.
• Do not play contact sports. Contact sports such as football or boxing may cause injury or bleeding that is difficult to control. Ask your healthcare provider what activities are safe for you to do.
• Control bleeding. Apply firm, steady pressure to cuts or scrapes. If possible, elevate the area above the level of your heart. If your nose bleeds, pinch the upper part of your nose and hold a tissue at the opening. Do this until the bleeding stops.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to return for more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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