monly noted. It is fatal in about 20 per cent. of
the cases.

#Describe the symptoms of purpura haemorrhagica.#

Purpura haemorrhagica (also called _land scurvy_) is characterized
usually by premonitory, and frequently accompanying, symptoms of general
distress, and by the appearance of coin to palm-sized, red or purplish
hemorrhagic spots or patches, smooth, non-elevated or raised. Hemorrhage
from the mouth, gums and other parts, slight or serious in character,
may occur. New lesions continue to appear for several days or weeks; and
in exceptional instances, repeated relapses take place, and the disease
thus persists for months. It may end fatally.

#State the etiology of purpura.#

In most instances no cause can be assigned. The disease occurs at all
ages from childhood to advanced life, and in individuals, apparently, in
good and bad health alike. The hemorrhagic type is oftener seen in
subjects debilitated or in a depraved state of health. A microorganism
is also looked upon as a factor by some observers, especially in the
grave type of disease.

#State the diagnostic characters of purpura.#

The appearance, irregularly or in crops, of bright-red or purplish
spots, evidently of hemorrhagic nature, and not _disappearing upon
pressure_, and as they are fading, going through the several changes of
color usually observed in any ecchymosis.

#How does scurvy (scorbutus) differ from purpura?#

Scurvy, which may resemble the severe grade of purpura, has a different
history, a recognizable cause, usually a peculiar distribution, and is
accompanied with general weakness and a spongy, soft and bleeding
condition of the gums.

#What is the pathology of purpura?#

The lesion of purpura consists essentially of a hemorrhage into the
cutaneous tissues. The blood is subsequently absorbed, the haematin
undergoing changes of color from a red to greenish and pale yellow, and
finally fading away.

#State the prognosis#

The milder varieties disappear in the course of several weeks or months,
and are rarely of serious import; the outcome of purpura haemorrhagica is
somewhat uncertain; although usually favorable, a fatal result from
internal hemorrhage is possible. The variety known as Schoenlein's
disease is alarming, but seldom fatal. Henoch's disease is, however,
always of grave import.

#What is the treatment of purpura?#

Hygienic and dietary measures, the administration of tonics and
astringents, an