This image displays numerous
This image displays numerous "cayenne pepper" flat lesions 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 characterized by leakage of red blood cells from small, superficial blood vessels that results in pinpoint-like hemorrhages (petechiae). Capillaritis is frequently found in patients with long periods of extended standing related to their occupations. A skin hypersensitivity reaction, salicylates and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly associated origins of capillaritis, though the precise cause is unclear. Capillaritis is usually a life-long condition, flaring intermittently.

Who's At Risk?

Capillaritis is seen more frequently in adults, but it does occur in older children and adolescents.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common location for capillaritis is the leg, though it may manifest on the trunk and upper extremities. Capillaritis never presents on the face. Presentation may include:

  • Brown-red or deeply pigmented, pepper-like petechiae in dark-skinned individuals
  • Cayenne-pepper–colored petechiae in lighter-skinned individuals
  • Color variations in the lesions due to different stages of blood breakdown product (hemosiderin) reabsorption

Self-Care Guidelines

None necessary.

Treatments

Treatment may include:

  • Mid-potency topical steroids (in case of itching)
  • Oral therapy with bioflavonoid and ascorbic acid

Visit Urgency

Though capillaritis is a benign condition, another condition may be at work. The evaluation of a primary care physician or dermatologist should be obtained when unsure of the nature of a rash.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.361-362. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp. 1737-1738. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Disease Groups: Skin Problems Related to Obesity

Last modified on October 10th, 2022 at 7:25 pm

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