Retiform purpura is a cutaneous morphology characterized by a branching (reticular), non-blanching (purpuric) patch, plaque, or lesion that develops when blood vessels supplying the skin become obstructed.
[2][3] This blockage leads to downstream cutaneous ischemia, or insufficient blood supply to the skin, causing purpura, necrosis, and potentially ulceration.
They can present as painful dark red or purple patches or plaques with bordering branching and central purpura, necrosis, and/or ulceration.
[2] Inflammatory retiform purpura consists of redness around the lesion with associated central necrosis caused by vasculitic or infectious processes.
It is vital to quickly assess patients showing signs of purpura fulminans, especially if they exhibit symptoms of sepsis, serious sickness, or have weakened immune systems.
[citation needed] Because the disease manifests in several ways, it is crucial to obtain the underlying etiology when determining treatment plans.