Anemiais a condition in which a person has a low red blood cell count.
Learn more about skin manifestations of aplastic anemia in this article.
Aplastic Anemia
There are multiple types of anemia.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and © Dr Lawrence Meyersonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Without enough platelets, a person may bleed excessively and be susceptible to bruising.
This is what leads to the skin abnormalities sometimes referred to as “anemia rash.”
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from ADermNet New Zealand and A Dr Lawrence Meyersonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Purpura measure 410 millimeters.
If the spot is larger than 10 millimeters, it is labeled asecchymoses.
However, there are othercauses of purpura, too, so consult with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Reproduced with permission from ADermNet New Zealand and A Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Treatment
Petechiae and purpura can be resolved by treating the underlying condition.
These are called petechiae and purpura, which appear as tiny red or purple pinpricks on the skin.
They can be resolved by treating their underlying cause, aplastic anemia.
A Word From Verywell
While not very common, developing skin manifestations from aplastic anemia can occur.
These can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, especially if they cause itching.
Treating the underlying cause of the anemia can usually help alleviate the skin issues.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience skin issues as a result of your anemia.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Acquired aplastic anemia.
NIH National Library of Medicine.Petechiae.
NIH National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
