Purpura simplex (inflammatory purpura without vasculitis): a clinicopathologic study of 174 cases

Abstract

Purpura simplex manifests clinically as macular purpuric and petechial pigmented, golden, annular, or lichenoid lesions. These subtypes have been termed Schamberg's purpura, lichen aureus, Majocchi's purpura, and Gougerot-Blum purpura. Histologically, there is inflammation and hemorrhage without fibrinoid necrosis of vessels. One hundred seventy-four cases were retrospectively reviewed. In some patients, the eruption was related to medications. Treatment was usually of limited benefit. Fifty-eight of 87 patients (67%) who had follow-up data did eventually have clearing of lesions. Because of the clinical and histologic similarities among the subtypes, the inclusive term purpura simplex is favored.