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What Do Purple Skin Spots On The Hands And Legs Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 15 Jun 2017

Question: My 16 year old granddaughter fainted right after the girl next to her fainted. My granddaughter came to quickly, but the other girl took 2 minutes. My granddaughter also has had purple skin spots on her hands, arms and legs A for days, and skips breakfast, eats less than before. They did a blood test last night but didn't get results yet. They are looking for anemia. I worry about the spots. Could it be other things?

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Spots

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
Anemia could be an explanation for the spots. A low blood count in anemia would also indicate that her platelets are low. When platelets are low, we can get these purple spots in dependent areas like hands, knees, arms, legs. When her results come in, make it a point to ask about her platelets. This can be easily corrected.

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

Follow up: Dr. Eric Goldstein (4 hours later)

What would affect platelets? A virus? Exposure to measles?

Also what of sickle cell anemia? Any chance?

There is a shot Q something. Is it good'? I hear it only works for 2 weeks. Is a # 1000 for platèlets bad, ready for the

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, a virus could easily explain this.
It would be very unusual for Sickle cell anemia to be diagnosed at this age so this is much less likely.
There are treatment for low platelets, shot included, but it would be premature to discuss until the blood results came in.

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy