Red Spots Appear due to Anemia, Get to Know How to Treat It

Illustration of red spots due to anemia (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA – A rash on the skin looks like red or purple spots, bruises, or red bumps appear. In general, there are many reasons. But those related to health, especially red blood cells in the body, are called anemia rash or anemia rash.

The appearance of red spots due to anemia, occurs because the number of red blood cells is very low. However, it is important to identify it further because it is not always associated with a low red blood cell count. There are also those who experience anemia rash due to complications from anemia treatment. But the most common is aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anemia occurs when the body's bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood cells. The rash resembles red or purple spots, known as pestechiae. These red spots may stand out, or they may be flat on the skin. Launching Healthline, Wednesday, July 5, these red spots can appear anywhere, including on the neck, arms and legs.

Illustration of red spots due to anemia (Freepik)

Although it is common, if it is not treated immediately it can develop more seriously. Usually, this pestecial does not cause symptoms of pain or itching. So you need to pay attention if you have red spots that don't change color even if you press them.

In aplastic anemia, not only is there a shortage of red blood cells, there is also a lower than normal level of platelets, another type of blood cell. A low platelet count tends to bruise or bleed more easily. This causes bruising that looks like a rash.

People who are iron deficient may also develop pruritus. In contrast to aplastic anemia, which is painless or itchy, pruritus causes skin redness and an itchy rash. There are also those who experience a rash due to an allergy to iron sulfate therapy. If the red spots are caused by the latter, you need to seek immediate medical attention because they can cause swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.

Illustration of red spots due to anemia (Freepik)

If the red spots are due to anemia, they can be treated by treating the underlying condition that causes them. If your doctor suspects or diagnoses iron deficiency as the cause, you will likely start taking iron supplements.

Meanwhile, treating aplastic anemia requires ongoing care and is carried out according to medical procedures. Such as blood transfusions, immunosuppressant drugs, to stem cell transplants.

Red spots due to anemia cannot be prevented. So the best way to prevent it from happening is to treat the underlying cause. That is, make sure you get enough iron through food or with supplements to prevent iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency-related pruritus. But if you have a rash that can't be explained, see a doctor immediately.