Factitious purpura

Abstract

Factitious purpura may present as a perplexing problem for the dermatologist and can mimic serious disease. This form of mechanical purpura, often caused by suction may be deliberately or unknowingly induced by the patient. Some cases may go unrecognized for a considerable length of time and undergo unnecessary investigation before the diagnosis is realized. Three cases of purpura are reported in which the causative agents were very different.