Dear Dr. Gott: I have had severe purpura on my arms for the
last two years. My doctor told me there is no remedy. I'm tired of
constantly wearing long sleeves. What can I do to get rid of these
spots? Taking vitamin C seems to help some.
Dear Reader: Purpura is spontaneous hemorrhage in tissues.
Small, pinpoint areas are called petechiae, and larger areas are
called ecchymoses (bruises).
For some reason, the veins in your arms are rupturing
spontaneously. This can have many causes, including clotting
disorders, high blood pressure and the aging process. Purpura
caused by the aging process often presents as dark purple or brown
spots on the forearms and back of the hands. This is most likely
your problem and there is no cure. Various creams, lotions and
cosmetic procedures can help the spots to fade.
But, make sure there's no treatable cause, such as uncontrolled
high blood pressure. You also need to make sure you do not have
a clotting problem, which is often caused by too high a dose of
anticoagulant meds (Coumadin, aspirin, etc.).
Make an appointment with a hematologist (blood specialist).
Take a list of your current and recently stopped medications, a
history of how long this has been happening, whether there is a
family history of clotting disorders and a list of what you have
used to try to get rid of the purpura, such as the vitamin C.
(Vitamin C deficiency can also cause spontaneous bruising, which
may be why supplements have helped.)
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my
Health Report "Blood - Donations and Disorders." Other readers who
would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number
10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH
44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor,
New York, NY 10016.
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