Purpura is a medical condition that involves the formation of small spots on your skin, mucus membranes and organs. These spots occur when blood leaks from tiny vessels. Certain factors can increase your risk of purpura, although the cause often remains unknown. Vitamin deficiencies, including potassium deficiencies, are unlikely to contribute to the development of purpura. Consult your doctor before taking vitamin supplements to treat medical conditions such as purpura.
Potassium Deficiency
Hypokalemia is the medical term for an inadequate amount of potassium in your blood. Your body requires potassium for proper nerve and muscle cell function. Most people receive adequate amounts of potassium through a balanced diet, although certain medications, including some antibiotics and diuretics, can increase the risk of hypokalemia. Eating disorders, diarrhea, sweating and vomiting may also contribute to hypokalemia. This potassium deficiency may cause abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, constipation, paralysis and muscle weakness. Although hypokalemia can cause significant symptoms, there is no evidence that a potassium deficiency is a factor in the development of purpura.
Purpura
Purpura also goes by the common names of skin hemorrhages or blood spots. In addition to superficial bleeding under your skin that causes the appearance of small reddish-purple spots, purpura may cause easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, heavy menstrual flows, blood in your urine or stools and spontaneous bleeding from your nose or gums.
Causes
Purpura can occur in people with normal or abnormal platelet counts. Purpura in people with normal platelet counts may take place due to inflammation of the blood vessels, congenital rubella syndrome or fragile blood vessels. People with decreased platelet counts can develop purpura because of a decreased ability to form blood clots. Hemangioma, thrombocytopenia and meningococcemia can contribute to purpura in people with low platelet counts.
Precautions
Although a potassium deficiency may pose a serious health risk, it is unlikely to cause purpura. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of hypokalemia. A blood test can help reveal the presence of a potassium deficiency. Purpura is a health condition that often requires medical testing to determine the underlying cause. See your doctor if you experience unusual bleeding problems or if you notice the appearance of small spots under your skin. Heavy or persistent bleeding can result in a medical emergency.
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