Purpura
Alternate Names : Blood Spots, Skin Hemorrhages
Definition Purplish discolorations in the skin produced by small bleeding vessels near the surface of the skin. Purpura may also occur in the mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth) and in the internal organs.
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Overview & Considerations
Purpura by itself is only a sign of other underlying causes of bleeding.
When purpura spots are very small, they are called petechiae. Large purpura are called ecchymoses.
Purpura may occur with either normal platelet counts (nonthrombocytopenic purpuras) or decreased platelet counts (thrombocytopenic purpuras). Platelets help maintain the integrity of the capillary lining and are important in the clotting process.
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