<clinical sign, dermatology> A small haemorrhage (up to about 1
cm in diameter) in the skin, mucous membrane or
serosal surface, which may be
caused by various factors,
including blood disorders, vascular abnormalities and trauma.
Purpuric lesions may be associated with inflammation, in which case they present as papular purpura or the haemorrhage may not be
accompanied by inflammation, in which case they are macular.
The term also comprises a group of haemorrhagic diseases characterised by the
presence of purpuric lesions, ecchymoses and a tendency to bruise easily, which may be
caused by decreased platelet
counts, the presence of abnormal
platelets, vascular defects or reactions to certain drugs.
(15 Dec 1997)
