Purpura pigmentosa progressive L81.7

Spectrum of clinically different, inflammatory, mostly chronic and relapsing, little symptomatic, hemorrhagic-pigmentary diseases of the skin (no systemic disease), which are characterized in a fresh relapse phase by petechiae and later by yellow-orange-brownish foci.

The distal lower legs are preferentially affected, in very pronounced cases also the thighs, trunk and upper extremities.

Pathogenesis is unclear. Triggering by drugs, infections and other factors are discussed, especially:

• Drugs: statins (13%), beta blockers (10%), benzodiazepines (diazepam), meprobamate, diuretics (furosemide), isotretinoin and others.
• infections: respiratory infections
• food additives
• chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• house dust
• cryoglobulinemia type III
• Contact allergens (dyeing or bleaching agents in cotton textiles).

In larger studies (Kim et al. 2015), associated diseases described were: hypertension (16%), diabetes mellitus (10%). To what extent these associated diseases are significant for the pathogenesis of the clinical picture remains open.

Start is possible at any age. Particularly in younger and middle-aged adults; occasionally also in children < 10 years of age. Preferably occurring in the male sex.

Schamberg's disease (about 60% of all cases of PPP) occurs as an episodic, clinically variable clinical picture, the appearance of which depends on its acuity and frequency of episodes.

Symmetrically distributed, variably sized (from 0.3 cm to 10-20 cm), usually indistinct, sometimes very discrete, asymptomatic (pruritus is usually absent) yellow, yellow-brown or red-brown patches appear, which are usually more pronounced on the distal lower legs than on the proximal parts. Included in these areas are 0.1-0.2 cm, light or brown-red, non-anemic spot enhancements in irregular distribution and density. The surface of the skin lesions is usually smooth, even atrophic.

More rarely, fine lamellar scaling is detectable; this may result in aneczematid appearance(eczematid-like purpura, also known as "blue jeans dermatitis").

Lichenoid aspects may also result(Gougerot-Blum type; especially in older men), as well as apparently purely teleangiectatic forms.

To what extent the anular teleangiectatic form described by Majocchi(purpura anularis teleangiectodes) requires a special position (especially in young women; spontaneous healing) remains open.

This statement is also valid for the unilateral lichen aureus(occurring as a localized, sometimes also as a strict dermatosis).

Bulky, band-like, subepidermal, rarely perivascular (vessels are cuffed), accentuated, lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. In the "eczematid-like purpura" variant, there is minor acanthosis with discrete focal epidermotropy. Erythrocyte diapedesis especially in the stratum papillare and hemosiderin deposits in the dermis. In the lichenoid variant (Gougerot-Blum type), a lichenoid pattern with vacuolated degeneration of basal epithelial cells may also be histologically detectable.

Clinical differential diagnosis:

• Leucocytoclastic vasculitis: Mostly acute event, hardly any extensive discoloration of the skin; histology is diagnostic.
• Urticaria pigmentosa: Permanently present; no extensive discoloration; the Darier sign is positive; histology is diagnostic
• Purpura jaune d'ocre: pigmentation due to congestion in chronic venous insufficiency or in simple (heat or cardiac) congestive oedema.

Histological differential diagnoses:

• Lichenoids or fixed drug reactions
• pigmented purple form of Mycosis fungoides
• Congestive dermatitis (simple, non-inflammatory erythrocyte extravasations)

Symptomatic therapy is in the foreground.

Itching or burning sensations are very rare. In these cases, therapy is attempted with cooling lotion alba or ethanolic zinc oxide shaking mixture R292, if necessary with the addition of 2-5% polidocanol as polidocanol cream 2-5% or polidocanol-zinc oxide shaking mixture 3- or 5%, or 1% menthol cream(menthol cream 1%).

Otherwise, intermittent use of glucocorticoid-containing externals, e.g. hydrocortisone creams (Hydrogalen, hydrocortisone cream 0.5-2.0%) or prednicarbate cream.

Systemic glucocorticoids such as prednisolone (e.g. Solu Decortin H) 20-40 mg/day are only indicated in extended cases; gradual dose reduction according to the clinical findings.

Vaso-sealing drugs such as vitamin C 2x500 mg/day p.o. or rutoside (e.g. rutinion 3 times/day 1-2 tbl. p.o.) should be tried.

Successes with PUVA therapy have been reported.

Different courses are possible. Mostly chronic-recurrent, progressive course. If caused by medication, healing after discontinuation of the medication. The Majocchi variant tends to heal spontaneously. The Purpura pigmentosa progressiva of older men, tends to pronounced chronicity (intermittent course for years).

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