Is skin purpura a sign of leukemia?
Disease description:
Doctor, my child has recently developed a lot of purple bruises on his legs for no apparent reason. I read online that this might be skin purpura, and I'm really scared—could this be leukemia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Dermatological purpura refers to the appearance of purplish-red spots or bruises on the skin and does not necessarily indicate leukemia. The analysis is as follows:
Patients with leukemia may develop skin purpura due to abnormal bone marrow hematopoietic function leading to reduced platelet production and a tendency to bleed. However, various other conditions can also cause purpura. For example, allergic purpura occurs when the body has an allergic reaction to certain substances, increasing capillary permeability and fragility, which leads to bleeding into the skin and the formation of purpura.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by a decrease in platelet count or abnormal platelet function, resulting in coagulation disorders and skin bruising. Additionally, abnormalities in blood vessel wall function or deficiencies in coagulation factors may also lead to similar symptoms.
If a child develops skin purpura, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for blood tests, coagulation function assessments, platelet function tests, and possibly bone marrow aspiration if necessary, to determine the underlying cause.
Prior to seeing a doctor, avoid strenuous physical activity in the child to prevent trauma and worsening of bleeding. Monitor closely for any expansion of the purpura or the appearance of new bleeding spots.
