Common Warning Signs Of Vasculitis

Rash

One of the most characteristic symptoms indicative of vasculitis is a rash on the skin. These rashes occur when there is a small blood hemorrhage into the mucous membrane, skin, or serosal surface. The inflammation of small blood vessels close to the skin in those affected by vasculitis causes damage the blood vessel walls. The walls become weak and may begin to leak blood or burst. These types of rashes are given a name based on their size. Small red dots on the skin less than five millimeters in diameter are called petechiae. When these dots are a bit larger and have a diameter of between five and nine millimeters, the lesion is called purpura. When the diameter of the blood spot exceeds nine millimeters, it is called ecchymoses. These rashes do not blanch or change color when pressure is placed on them. These blood spot rashes usually appear in clusters on a patient's back, buttocks, lower extremities, hands, and inside area of the forearms. Vasculitis can cause these rashes to be ongoing or occur only once. Purpuric lesions can last for a duration of many weeks and may leave behind dark spots or scarring. Severe cases of vasculitis in deeper tissues may manifest in the form of ulcers, nodules, and livedo reticularis.

Uncover more information on symptoms linked to vasculitis now.