Anemia Rash - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

An anemia rash is not a medical term. It is the presence of small red dots or pinpricks on the human skin. These are present mainly on the lower extremities. Depending on the size of the red dots, these are known as purpura or petechiae. These occur due to the lack of blood in the human body. The red blood cells (RBCs) take blood from all over the body. The anemia rash can be due to any anemia. If a patient is anemic, then they should consult a doctor for regular blood tests. The article discusses anemia rash, its causes, types of anemia, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What Is Anemia?

Anemia is decreased or reduced in red blood cell numbers. The red blood cells take oxygen. With an oxygen deficiency, an individual may experience cold or tiredness. There may be a presence of skin rashes. The condition can be tested by checking hemoglobin levels. The iron part present in the red blood cells is the hemoglobin. The usual range of hemoglobin in males is between 13 to 16 g/dL, and in females is between 11 to 13 g/dL. Insufficient oxygen intake by the human body can result in low hemoglobin levels. The symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and elevated heart rates.

What Are the Types of Anemia?

Various types of anemia are as follows:

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: A lack or decrease in iron levels in the human blood leads to iron deficiency anemia.

• Aplastic Anemia: Aplastic anemia is called aplastic anemia when the bone marrow does not construct the red blood cells.

• Pernicious Anemia: When the immune system cannot attack cells in the stomach leading to a stoppage of vitamin B12 absorption.

• Hemolytic Anemia: In certain infections, the red blood cells are destroyed. In this, the body is unable to meet the demand and supply.

• Macrocytic Anemia: People with a decrease in vitamin B12 and folate may have a large type of red blood cells called macrocytic anemia.

What Are the Causes of Anemia Rash?

Anemia rash occurs due to anemia.

• Aplastic Anemia: Aplastic anemia occurs due to default in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue that generates stem cells. The stem cells consist of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Platelets help in the stoppage of the bleeding. The reduced number of platelets can cause a decrease in blood clotting. There may be bleeding under the top layer of the skin. The usual range of platelets is between 150,000 and 450,000 per microliter. The platelets diminish after every ten days. If the body cannot generate new platelets and change them with old ones, blood clotting will be affected. Consequently, this can cause subcutaneous bleeding, resulting in a red rash. This is called an anemia rash.

• Acquired Aplastic Anemia: The condition affects young children and elderly people. The bone marrow can sustain either temporary or permanent damage. This may be due to pregnancy, viral infection, radiation, or chemotherapy. Idiopathic aplastic anemia is a condition where the underlying cause is unknown to the individual affected.

• Inherited Aplastic Anemia: It is also known as Fanconi anemia. Ninety percent of people experience this type of anemia. Due to bone marrow failure, some individual feels a tiny rash. The condition can be transferred from the parents to the son or daughter.

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: The symptoms include bruising and itchiness due to the lack of iron. There may be an appearance of a rash on the skin.

• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: The condition in which blood clots are formed all over the body. This can lead to tiny red or purple spots called petechiae. There may be a purplish bruising similar to the purpura rash.

• Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: The genetic mutation cause the formation of abnormal red blood cells. The easy breakdown of the red blood cells causes blood clots and bruising.

• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Infections, pregnancy, and medications can destroy the red blood cells. The symptoms include bruising and swelling on the hands and feet.

What Are the Symptoms of Anemia Rash?

The signs and symptoms of anemia rash are as follows:

• Stool in the blood.

• Retinal bleeding leads to vision issues.

• Heavy menstrual bleeding.

• Bruises on the skin.

• The other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, pale skin, headache, dizziness, and rapid heart rate.

• The symptoms of anemia include weakness, tiredness, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightness, and cold feet and hands.

How Is Anemia Rash Diagnosed?

The doctor may diagnose anemia rash by physical examination and diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests are as follows:

• Complete Blood Count: To assess levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin, a healthcare provider may recommend a complete blood count test.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: The biopsy may be recommended in case of aplastic anemia. The healthcare provider may examine a bone marrow sample with a needle under a microscope.

How Is Aplastic Anemia Treated?

The approaches to treat anemia rash are as follows:

• Iron Supplementation: The doctor may prescribe iron supplements if an individual suffers from iron deficiency anemia.

• Vitamin Supplementation: The doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements if an individual suffers from vitamin B12 deficiency. These supplements can help in producing new red blood cells.

• Blood Transfusion: The doctor may prescribe blood transfusions in case of very low hemoglobin levels.

• Medications: The doctor may recommend topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines to treat itchiness.

• Bone Marrow Transplantation: Bone marrow transplantation is prescribed in case of aplastic anemia. This will help in the replacement of the damaged bone marrow.

Conclusion

The anemia rash is the presence of small tiny dots on the skin's surface. This can be due to anemia. The symptoms include pallor, red dots, and bruises on the skin. The healthcare provider diagnoses the condition by physical examination, complete blood count, and bone marrow biopsy. The condition can be treated by prescribing iron, vitamin supplementation, blood transfusion, and medications. A healthy diet and lifestyle changes help in managing anemia rash.