Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition characterized by purple or red discolorations on the skin or mucous membranes: "Purpura" refers to the appearance of small, visible blood spots beneath the skin's surface, caused by bleeding from small blood vessels (capillaries). These spots do not blanch (turn white) when pressed.
   • A category of blood disorders: "Purpura" can also refer to several diseases where the primary symptom is this type of subcutaneous bleeding, often due to problems with blood clotting, platelet count, or blood vessel integrity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient presented with purpura on the lower legs, a sign of potential capillary fragility.
  • Thrombocytopenic purpura is a condition involving a low platelet count.
  • The doctor noted that the rash was non-blanching and diagnosed it as purpura.

Advanced Usage

• "Palpable purpura": Raised, often tender, purpuric lesions that can be felt by touch. This is a classic sign of certain types of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).

  • The presence of palpable purpura on the extremities suggested a diagnosis of IgA vasculitis.

• "Senile purpura": A common, benign condition in older adults characterized by purplish patches, typically on the forearms and hands, due to fragile blood vessels and thin skin.

  • The bruising on her arms was attributed to senile purpura and was not a cause for major concern.

Variants and Related Words

• Purpuric (adj): Relating to or affected with purpura.

  • The biopsy showed purpuric changes in the dermis.

• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A rare, serious blood disorder.

• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): An immune disorder causing low platelets.

Synonyms

• Petechiae (when referring to very small, pinpoint purpuric spots).
• Ecchymosis (when referring to a larger, bruise-like area of purpura; a bruise).

Related Terms (Medical Context)

• Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels, a common cause of purpura.
• Thrombocytopenia: A low platelet count, which can lead to purpura.
• Coagulopathy: A defect in the body's blood clotting mechanism.

Noun

1. any of several blood diseases causing subcutaneous bleeding