This image displays numerous
This image displays numerous "cayenne pepper" flat lesions that are formed when blood leaks into the skin.
This image displays a large patch of capillaritis due to blood leaking into the skin.
This image displays a large patch of capillaritis due to blood leaking into the skin.
This image displays bright red and golden lesions from blood leaking into the skin. This variant of capillaritis is known as lichen aureus.
This image displays bright red and golden lesions from blood leaking into the skin. This variant of capillaritis is known as lichen aureus.
Numerous deep red and purple elevations of the skin can be seen in capillaritis.
Numerous deep red and purple elevations of the skin can be seen in capillaritis.
This image displays flat, cayenne-pepper-appearing areas of color change typical of capillaritis.
This image displays flat, cayenne-pepper-appearing areas of color change typical of capillaritis.

Graphic content

Please click to view.

 This image displays cayenne-pepper colored skin lesions typical of capillaritis.
This image displays cayenne-pepper colored skin lesions typical of capillaritis.

Images of Capillaritis (6)

This image displays numerous
This image displays a large patch of capillaritis due to blood leaking into the skin.
This image displays bright red and golden lesions from blood leaking into the skin. This variant of capillaritis is known as lichen aureus.
Numerous deep red and purple elevations of the skin can be seen in capillaritis.
This image displays flat, cayenne-pepper-appearing areas of color change typical of capillaritis.

Graphic content

 This image displays cayenne-pepper colored skin lesions typical of capillaritis.

Capillaritis

Capillaritis is a condition where inflammation of the tiniest blood vessels in the skin results in leakage of blood and petechiae (tiny spots of bleeding under the skin that do not blanche when you press on them). Capillaritis is frequently found in individuals who stand for long periods of time, such as people who are on their feet a lot for work. Capillaritis can come and go intermittently.

Who's At Risk?

Capillaritis is seen more commonly in adults, especially men, but it can occur in older children and teenagers as well.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common location for capillaritis is the legs, but it can also occur on the trunk and arms. Capillaritis never occurs on the face. Capillaritis may appear as:

  • Brown-red or dark brown petechiae in darker skin colors or light red or dark red petechiae in lighter skin colors.
  • Color variations in the lesions may be seen at different stages of development.
  • Petechiae can merge to form petechial patches.

Self-Care Guidelines

No self-care is necessary.

Treatments

If capillaritis is diagnosed, your medical professional may prescribe a topical steroid cream or lotion.

Visit Urgency

Although capillaritis itself is a harmless condition, other conditions can also cause petechiae. Seek medical evaluation for a rash with petechiae or another unknown rash.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Disease Groups: Skin Problems Related to Obesity

Last modified on May 17th, 2023 at 5:07 pm

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