Purpura

Alternative names:

blood spots; skin hemorrhages

Home care:

Consult your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

• purpura or petechiae are present and there is no known cause.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting purpura may include:

• time pattern
  • Is this the first time you have had spots such as these?
  • When did they develop?

• type
  • Petechiae (small purplish or reddish dots)?
  • Ecchymoses (look like bruises)?

• other
  • What medications are being taken?
  • What is the past medical history?
  • What is the family history?
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The underlying medical condition needs to be treated.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to purpura to your personal medical record.