Purpura is a disease that is characterized by an infiltration of blood under the skin leading to the formation of purple or purplish petechiae, which is reminiscent of a skin infection or dermatitis. However, this disease, which is usually idiopathic, results from a dysfunction in the red blood cells or capillary vessels. Purpura thus causes subcutaneous haemorrhage, the severity and extent of the lesions of which vary from one type of purpura to another. Indeed, there are several forms of purpura, the most common of which is thrombocytopenic purpura due to the decrease in the number of blood platelets. There is also vascular purpura caused by the alteration of the capillary vessels. But purpura could also occur as a result of a vitamin deficiency, which is called a deficiency purpura. Finally, the most fearsome type of purpura, which can be fatal, is caused by the development of pathogenic germs in the blood. This is fulminant purpura, usually due to pneumococcus or meningococcus.
Symptoms of purpura
In the early stages of purpura, purpura manifests itself as a bright red rash on the skin. Purpuric spots are thus visible on a localized part of the body, usually on the thighs, back and buttocks. These spots could take the form of vibices when they appear on certain parts of the body such as the face and ankles. After a few weeks, the rash may go away on its own. If this main symptom does not recur after a year, there is a chance that the disease will be completely cured. On the other hand, if purpura occurs again after twelve months, there is a risk that it will become chronic.
Symptomatic treatments
In order to choose the appropriate treatment(s), a case of purpura must undergo a complete clinical assessment to determine the nature and possible causes of the disease. However, as soon as petechiae appear, some remedies can be taken to treat the first symptoms. Thus, when purpura presents with an abnormal rash in the skin or mucous membranes, three granules of Phosphorus 5 CH should be taken every hour until the bleeding lesion subsides.
Commonpurpuric hemorrhage
In almost all cases of purpura, the management of the hemorrhage should be the first concern. If the bleeding does not cause any particular discomfort and does not worsen with movement, the intake of five granules of Aconitum Napellus 9 CH, two to three times a day, is indicated. The same dose of Ipeca 9 CH is prescribed if the lesion is aggravated by movement. In the presence of venous haemorrhage (gingivorrhagia, epistaxis), five granules of Hamamelis 5 CH can be taken every hour until improvement.
Petechiae resulting from a disease
Various disorders following a disease could be the cause of purpuric petechiae. If the latter manifest themselves as a bruise, Arnica montana diluted to 9 CH is indicated, with five granules taken every hour until the inflammation disappears. In case of purpura associated with liver disorders, characterized mainly by cirrhosis, take five granules of Arsenicum album 9 CH once daily, preferably in the evening. Finally, in the case of iatrogenic purpura caused by medication, various homeopathic complexes based on Arnica can be prescribed to overcome the symptoms.
When to see a doctor?
The first manifestations of purpura should not be taken lightly. In order to increase the chances of recovery, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as the first symptoms are noticed. In fact, apart from the diagnosis made by a doctor, only a medical examination can detect active thrombocytopenia, a common cause of purpura.
