Dr Lalitha Badul

Purpura is a condition caused by burst blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin. This causes reddish, purple patches or dots to form on top of the skin.

The condition is usually an indication of a more serious medical condition such as a blood clotting disorder. Purpura is caused by low blood platelet levels.

Platelets are the cells responsible for blood clotting. There are several causes for low blood platelet levels that include drug abuse and the use of certain medications, vitamin C deficiency, genetics, infection, etc.

Both children and adults can be affected by the condition. The condition is treatable by means of medication to normalise blood function.