Definition:
Characterized by leakage of red blood cells from small, superficial blood vessels that result in pinpoint-like hemorrhages (petechiae) is called capillaritis. Usually a life-long condition, flaring intermittently, it is frequently found in patients with long periods of extended standing related to their occupations.
Treatment:
The treatment for capillaritis may be through oral therapy with bioflavonoid and ascorbic acid and mid-potency topical steroids (in case of itching).
Symptoms and Signs:
The leg, though it may manifest on the trunk and upper extremities, is the most common location for capillaritis. It never presents on the face. Among the presentations include cayenne-pepper-colored petechiae in lighter-skinned individuals, brown-red or deeply pigmented pepper-like petechiae in dark-skinned individuals and color variations in the lesions due to different stages of blood breakdown product (hemosiderin) reabsorption.
Causes:
Its cause being unknown, capillaritis occasionally arises as a reaction to a medication where many different drugs have been occasionally associated with this condition. Food additive or a viral infection may be responsible in others, as well as capillaritis may also develop after exercise.
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