Purpura:
Purpura and bruising are both types of skin discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Purpura is characterized by small, flat, non-raised, purple or red spots on the skin. They are caused by bleeding from small blood vessels, and they can appear anywhere on the body.
Causes:
Purpura can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Low platelet count:
Platelets are blood cells that help blood clot. If you have a low platelet count, your blood may not clot properly, and you may develop purpura.
- Vascular damage:
Damage to blood vessels can also cause purpura. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, and certain medications.
- Certain medical conditions:
Some medical conditions, such as lupus and vasculitis, can also cause purpura.
Bruising, on the other hand, is characterized by larger, raised, blue-black discolorations of the skin. They are caused by bleeding from larger blood vessels, and they typically occur after an injury. Bruising can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as hemophilia and vitamin K deficiency.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between purpura and bruising:
Feature |
Purpura |
Bruising |
Size |
Small
(less than 10 mm in diameter) |
Large
(more than 10 mm in diameter) |
Shape |
Flat |
Raised |
Color |
Purple or
red |
Blue-black |
Cause |
Bleeding
from small blood vessels |
Bleeding
from larger blood vessels |
Typically
associated with |
Low
platelet count, vascular damage, certain medical conditions |
Injury,
certain medical conditions |
Labels
skin diseases