DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have had severe purpura on my arms for the last two years. My doctor told me there is no remedy and I will have to live with it.

I’m tired of constantly wearing long sleeves. What can I do to get rid of these spots? Taking vitamin C seems to help some.

DEAR READER:
Purpura is spontaneous hemorrhage in tissues. Small pinpoint areas are called petechiae and larger areas are called ecchymoses (bruises).

For some reason, the veins in your arms are spontaneously rupturing. This can have many causes including clotting disorders, high blood pressure and the aging process. Purpura caused by the aging process often presents as dark purple or brown spots on the forearms and back of the hands. This is most likely your problem and your physician is correct that there is no cure. However, the spots can be faded using various creams, lotions and cosmetic procedures.

Before resorting to cosmetic options, I would first want to make sure that you do not have a treatable cause such as uncontrolled high blood pressure. You also need to make sure you do not have a new onset clotting problem, which is often caused by taking too high a dose of anticoagulant medication (Coumadin, aspirin and more).

Make an appointment with a hematologist (blood specialist). It is important that when you see the specialist you have a list of your current and recently stopped medications, a history of how long this has been happening, if there is a family history of clotting disorders and a list of what you have used to try to get rid of the purpura, such as the vitamin C. (I should mention that vitamin C deficiency can also cause spontaneous bruising, which may be why you are helped by supplements.)

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood — Donations and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.