Purple Spot Disease: Causes, Types, and Prevention

I. What is Purple Spot Disease?

Purple spot, also known as purpura or muscular hemorrhage, is a clinically common hemorrhagic disease that occurs when blood leaks under the skin or mucous membranes. This condition can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, and diet. There are many types of purple spots, with common examples including allergic purpura and thrombocytopenic purpura, and the etiology can be complex.

In traditional Chinese medicine, purple spots are also recognized and classified into different types based on symptoms, such as blood heat type, yin deficiency type, and qi deficiency type. The treatment approach varies depending on the specific type.

II. Causes of Purple Spot Disease

1. Infection: Infection is the most common cause of purple spots. The main pathogenic bacteria include hemolytic streptococcus, pneumococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus. These types of purple spots are most commonly seen in children and adolescents. The exact pathogenesis is not fully understood, but it is thought that immune complexes formed by the combination of antigens and antibodies deposit on the vessel walls, activating related complements and further causing inflammation and disease.

Common symptoms of purple spots include headache, fever, and joint pain, and the severity of the condition can vary.

2. Medications: Improper use of certain medications can also lead to purple spots. These medications include antibiotics, analgesic and antipyretic drugs, and hormonal drugs. These drugs can easily cause allergic reactions and harm the kidneys, leading to not only purpura but also nephritis. Purpuric nephritis is a severe condition that requires timely treatment.

3. Diet: Poor dietary habits can also contribute to the occurrence of purple spots. People who frequently consume junk food are prone to developing purple spots. Additionally, individuals with allergies to foods containing foreign proteins, such as seafood, eggs, and dairy products, may also develop purple spots after consuming these foods. It is advisable for patients to avoid these foods and reduce their intake of junk food.