Purpura

{purf -pttr-ah) [L.*]. A disease characterized by hemorrhages into the skin, taking the form of petechiae, maculae, or large patches. It may occur as an independent affection, or be symptomatic of other diseases. P. fulminans, a grave form of P., developing in young children as a sequel to acute infectious diseases. It is of short duration, is marked by extensive extravasations, grave constitutional symptoms, and usually ends fatally. P. haemorrhagic a, morbus maculosus Werlhofii; land-scurvy. See Werlhofs Disease, under Diseases, Table of. 537