Schamberg's disease: How is it treated?

My 13-year-old son has been tentatively diagnosed with Schamberg's disease. His legs and arms look terrible. Can this be treated?

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Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

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Schamberg's disease

Schamberg's disease is one type of purpura, a purplish discoloration of the skin caused by blood leaking from small vessels near the skin surface. It typically causes no other symptoms and needs no treatment. However, some people may have mild itching and discomfort. In such cases, treatment may include prescription corticosteroid creams or antibiotics.

Episodes of purpura may last up to several weeks and sometimes longer. The exact cause of Schamberg's disorder isn't known, but it may be associated with a recent viral infection or allergic reaction. This disorder occurs most often in males.

Before making a diagnosis of Schamberg's disease, your doctor will likely want to rule out other more serious causes of purpura, such as inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). A common type of vasculitis in children is Henoch-Schonlein purpura, a condition that can lead to inflammation of the joints, abdomen or kidneys. Sometimes the symptoms visible on the skin precede the symptoms of the joints or other organs by days or even weeks.

A doctor can confirm a diagnosis of Schamberg's based on the results of a skin biopsy. If purpura persists or is associated with pain or discomfort in other parts of the body or swelling of the extremities, consult your doctor.