Purpura is caused by blood pools under the skin that form due to burst blood vessels. Purpura usually presents as dark purple spots of the skin.
While purpura can happen at any age, it can be much more severe for adults and can be due to sunlight or a systemic cause.
There are two types of purpura: thrombocytopenic and nonthrombocytopenic. Nonthrombocytopenic purpura occurs in individuals who have normal platelet levels. Thrombocytopenic purpura occurs when an individual has low platelet levels and could indicate an underlying illness or injury.
Treatment of purpura may include steroid medication or in severe cases blood transfusions.
