Purple patches on the lower legs can be caused by a variety of reasons, a condition commonly known as purpura. Purpura can be caused by blood clotting disorders, vascular damage, drug reactions, or certain diseases.
If plaques appear after a minor injury, it may be due to increased fragility of the blood vessel walls. In this case, the plaques may be accompanied by mild pain or no pain at all. If plaques appear without obvious trauma and are accompanied by fatigue, fever, or joint pain, it may be associated with certain autoimmune diseases, such as allergic purpura or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Another possibility is related to abnormalities in blood clotting. For example, thrombocytopenia or a deficiency in clotting factors can cause subcutaneous bleeding, forming purple patches. These patches may become more noticeable after standing or walking because gravity causes blood to pool in the lower limbs.
It's important to note that if purple patches are accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or fever, or if the patches increase rapidly, you should seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying health problem, such as an infection, vascular disease, or other emergency. Also, do not ignore any accompanying symptoms, such as joint pain, rash, or unusual bleeding, as these may be important signs requiring further investigation.
[Prevention Tips:]
1. Pay attention to personal hygiene, keep skin clean, and avoid skin injuries.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and avoid overwork.
3. Have regular physical examinations, especially for people with a family history of illness, in order to detect potential health problems early.
4. Avoid unnecessary use of medications, especially over-the-counter drugs, to prevent drug-induced purpura.
