Suggest Treatment For Purple Bruising On Arm And Rashes

Posted on Tue, 31 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 Answered on

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having sudden dark red /almost purple bruising on my arm with intermittent rashes on other parts of my body. I take gabapintin and baclofen . Am also very itchy with dry skin. If I scratch the area turns dark red. I am 59 yrs old with back injury.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

From the description it seems that it might be a side effect of Gabapentin.
Both Gabapentin and Baclofen can cause a blood disorder called Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).This may cause easy bruising and bleeding or cause red/purple spots on skin (purpura or petechiae) that do not blanch on applying pressure .
It would be really helpful if you could send me a picture of the rash.

I would suggest to consult your physician and get examined.If the lesions are suggestive for petechiae/purpura a complete blood count with platelet count should be done.

I hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar