Purple Rash

About the Symptom

It is purplish-red rash just beneath the skin's surface and may appear dark brown or black on darker skin tones.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Purple rash

Possible Causes

Generally, Purple rash can be related to:

• IgA Vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein Purpura)

  A disease that causes inflammation and bleeding of small blood vessels, commonly affecting the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. This can lead to rashes, stomach pain, and kidney damage. Though it can affect anyone, it is more common in children under 10 years old. The cause is not well understood, but it may result from an immune system issue.

• Purpura Pigmentosa

  Purpura Pigmentosa Progressiva, also known as Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis or Schamberg's Disease, is a skin condition that presents with groups of small red dots inside the skin, usually on the arms and legs that can gradually become more orangish-brown. The exact cause is unknown, but it is caused by inflammation of tiny blood vessels in the skin called capillaries.

• Hypergammaglobulinemic Purpura

  Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström is a very rare condition caused by underlying dysfunction in the immune system. It consists of three main findings: 1. High levels of immunoglobulins in the blood (hypergammaglobulinemia) 2. Rash of tiny red/purple spots due to small blood vessels leaking into the skin (recurring purpura) 3. A blood test that shows high levels of inflammation in the body (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) The cause is unknown but it is often associated with some underlying disease of the immune system. It commonly occurs in middle-aged women and may be triggered heat exposure, tight-fitting clothing, and extended periods of standing.

• Purpura Simplex
• Acquired Hemophilia
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
• Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Congenital Hemophilia

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Purple rash may be related to these serious diseases:

• Leukemia

  Leukemia is a cancer of the body's blood cell-forming tissues. Blood cells circulate in our bloodstream and are created and matured in the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Leukemia involves white blood cells and lymphatic cells and has several types. The cancerous cells are produced in excess and do not function normally. Leukemias can be aggressive and cause symptoms or chronic and smolder for years.

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Have you noticed any purple marks or spots on your skin?
• When did you first notice the purple marks or spots on your skin?
• How often do you experience purple marks or spots on your skin?
• How are your purple marks or spots on your skin now?
• Do you have small red dots resembling bleeding under the skin?

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