Capillaritis
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Capillaritis
| Name: Capillaritis |
| Also known as: Pigmented Purpura |
| A harmless skin condition caused by leaky capillaries under the skin that become inflamed. Blood passes through small gaps between the cells which make up the capillary walls and tiny red dots appear on the skin. These join together to form a flat red patch, which becomes brown and then slowly fades away over weeks to months. |
Causes of Capillaritis
Usually unknown. Occasionally arises as a reaction to a medication, a food additive or a viral infection, or may flare after exercise. |
Symptoms of Capillaritis
There are several different types of capillarities Schamberg' s disease (progressive pigmented purpura) most common type. Crops of red-brown flat patches with tiny red spots on their borders appear on the lower legs and other parts of the body. Gourgerot Blum disease (pigmented purpuric lichenoid dermatosis) less common. The patches are thickened and itchy, rather like eczema. Majocchis purpura (purpura annularis telangiectodes) dilated capillaries as well as brown patches and red spots. The patches gradually spread outwards. Lichen aureus a solitary brown yellow patch that is very persistent and often overlies a varicose vein. |
Tests for Capillaritis
None necessary. |
Treatment for Capillaritis
Discontinue medication for several months if possible to see if condition improves. Avoid food preservatives and artificial colouring agents. Steroid creams help itching but rarely clear the capillaritis. If the lower leg is affected, consider wearing compression elastic stockings.
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Complications of Capillaritis of its treatment
None significant. |
Likely Outcome of Capillaritis
No cure, but it can disappear within a few weeks, recur from time to time, or persist for years. |
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