Purpuras and related conditions

Purpuras include a wide spectrum of cutaneous disorders characterized by extravasation of red blood cells into the skin with consequent release of hemoglobin. Various other pigments deriving from heme are subsequently found into the skin within 2‐3 weeks, accounting for the color changes (purple, orange, brown, yellowish, green‐blue) which may occur in most purpuric lesions. Too often the factors leading to these disturbances are obscure. Sometimes they are obscure mainly to the dermato‐venereologist as they are generally considered more pertinent to the field of interest of other specialists, i.e. in hematology or internal medicine. The dermato‐venereologist should be familiar with these cutaneous conditions and, when necessary, cooperate with the hematologist in order to evaluate the cutaneous and extracutaneous signs and symptoms and to schedule the proper systemic and/or topical therapies. Learning objective At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to discuss the clinical and histological presentations of purpuric disorders and know which tests should be done to allow proper diagnosis and treatment. The participants should also be aware of the controversies concerning the pathogenesis of some kinds of purpuras (i.e. palpable purpuras), of the evolution of terminology and finally of the different therapeutic options and regimens.