ABSTRACT
Purpura is characterized by a nonblanching red or purple discoloration of the skin. It occurs when small blood vessels leak blood into the extravascular tissue. Purpura can develop due to many different causes that either cause damage and leakage of supercial blood vessels or due to conditions that may lead to prolonged clotting. Several examples, including the use of blood thinners, connective tissue diseases, severe infections, photoaging with decreased collagen, and injury can all result in purpura. Although some purpura can develop secondary to a systemic medical condition, most purpura are considered benign and secondary to photoaging, localized trauma, and the use of a blood thinner. Purpura can develop as a side effect of cosmetic and surgical procedures and become unsightly. This chapter focuses on the topical treatment of benign purpura that is not due to a systemic medical illness. Oral treatments are not discussed here.
