Derm: Purpura: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Purpura🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this essential skin sign – perfect for exam prep and spotting urgent clinical clues.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Purpura refers to purple/red skin or mucosal spots caused by bleeding under the skin.• Non-blanching and due to vessel rupture, platelet dysfunction, or coagulation problems.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Thrombocytopenic: ITP, leukaemia, DIC, bone marrow failure• Non-thrombocytopenic: Vasculitis (e.g. HSP), scurvy, trauma, drugs• Infections: meningococcal sepsis, streptococcal• Ageing skin (senile purpura), steroid use🧠 Mnemonic: V.I.P. Causes Purpura – Vessels, Infection, Platelets📌 Pathophysiology• Capillary rupture → blood leaks into skin• May be due to low platelet count, vessel inflammation, or clotting factor defects📌 Symptoms• Petechiae (<1 cm), ecchymosis (>1 cm)• Often asymptomatic but may be painful or tender• Look for systemic signs: fever, joint pain, bleeding elsewhere📌 Differential Diagnosis• Bruising (trauma)• Erythema multiforme• HSP (palpable purpura)• Coagulation disorders (e.g. haemophilia)• DIC, drug reactions, vasculitis, factitious purpura📌 Diagnosis• Full Blood Count: platelet count• Coagulation screen• CRP/ESR, LFTs, autoantibodies, blood cultures (if infection suspected)• Use the glass test – purpura won’t blanch under pressure📌 Management• Treat the underlying cause – purpura is a sign, not a disease• Antibiotics for sepsis• Steroids or immunosuppressants for vasculitis or ITP• Platelet transfusion if count <20 x 10⁹/L• Supportive: limb elevation, compression, avoid IM injections📌 Complications• Significant bleeding → anaemia• Organ damage (in vasculitis)• Delayed treatment in infections (e.g. meningococcal sepsis) = life-threatening📌 Prognosis• Excellent if underlying cause is treated early• Guarded if linked to malignancy, autoimmune, or sepsis• Chronic purpura may recur depending on trigger📎 More MSRA Resources for Purpura📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/purpura-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/purpura-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/purpura-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/purpura-rapid-quiz/🧪 Topic Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/purpura/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/dermatology-for-the-msra/Hashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Purpura #Dermatology