Skip to main content

Purpura

Purpura is sudden, severe bruising that may be localized, regional, or widespread and that occurs without an injury. People who develop purpura often have signs of illness, such as a fever, weakness, fatigue, or a vague sense of being ill (malaise).

The bruising caused by purpura is different from the isolated bruises a person often gets after bumping into an object or falling. Purpura bruises develop from within the body, rather than from an injury.

A bleeding or clotting disorder is the most common cause of purpura. Purpura that comes on quickly over a short period (a few hours) may be a sign of a serious infection that requires immediate medical treatment.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.