Purpura is characterized by the infiltration of blood under the skin that leads to the formation of purple or violet petechiae, which is reminiscent of a skin infection or any kind of dermatitis. Yet this condition, which is usually idiopathic, is caused by a dysfunction affecting the capillaries or the level of red blood cells. Purpura thus results in subcutaneous haemorrhages of which the lesion’ severity and extent vary from one type of purpura to another. Indeed, there are several types of purpura, the most common of which is thrombocytopenic purpura, a condition linked to a reduction in circulating blood platelets. Finally, vascular purpura is caused by an alteration of the capillaries. However, purpura may also occur as a result of a vitamin deficiency, a condition known as scurvy when there is vitamin C deficiency. Finally, the most dangerous type of purpura is caused by the development of pathogens in the blood and may prove to be fatal to the affected person. This is purpura fulminans, also known as purpura gangrenosa, a condition usually due to a meningococcus or a pneumococcus.
Early in its development, purpura is characterized by a skin rash of bright-red colour. Purpuric spots, known as petechiae, start to appear on a localized part of the body, usually on the thighs, back and buttocks. These spots may take the appearance of vibices when they appear on certain body parts like the face and ankles. After a few weeks, the rash may disappear on its own. If the main symptom does not resurface after a year, chances are that the disease is completely cured. On the other hand, if purpura occurs again after twelve months, there is a risk regarding the condition, which may become chronic.
In order to choose the appropriate treatment, a patient suffering from purpura should be subjected to a complete and thorough clinical assessment to determine the nature and possible causes of the disease. However, at the onset of petechiae, several remedies may be taken to treat the symptoms. Thus, when purpura is accompanied by an abnormal eruption of the skin or mucous membranes, three granules of Phosphorus 5 CH need to be taken every hour until the bleeding lesions disappear.
In almost all cases of purpura, handling cases of haemorrhaging should be the primary concern. If the haemorrhage causes no particular problem and does not worsen with movement, taking five granules of Aconitum Napellus 9 CH, two to three times per day, is indicated. The same dose of Ipecac 9 CH should be taken in case the lesions are worsened by movement. In the presence of venous bleeding (gingival bleeding, epistaxis), take five granules of Hamamelis 5 CH every hour until improvement is noticed.
Various disorders caused by an illness may rseult in purpuric petechiae. If these are manifested by bruising, hourly 5-granule intakes of Arnica montana 9 CH are recommended until the disappearance of the inflammation. In case of purpura linked to liver disorders, mainly characterized by cirrhosis, take five granules of Arsenicum album 9 CH once a day, preferably in the evening. Finally, in case of iatrogenic purpura caused by drugs, several Arnica-based homoeopathic remedies may be prescribed to overcome the symptoms.
The first signs of purpura should not be taken lightly. To increase the chances of recovery, it is advisable to seek medical attention from the onset of the first symptoms. Moreover, apart from the diagnosis established by a doctor, only a thorough medical examination may reveal a case of progressive thrombocytopenia, a common cause of purpura.
Good to know: Less effective in the treatment of purpura fulminans, which requires constant medical supervision, homoeopathy nonetheless proves to be very effective in treating this condition’s chronic forms.
