What is primary cutaneous vasculitis?

Cutaneous vasculitis refers to vasculitis affecting small- or medium-sized vessels in the skin and subcutaneous tissue but not the internal organs. Cutaneous vasculitis may be limited to the skin, or may be a component of a systemic primary or secondary vasculitic disorder. Purpura, petechiae, or ulcers may develop.

Is cutaneous vasculitis an autoimmune disease?

Vasculitis is classified as an autoimmune disorder—a disease which occurs when the body’s natural defense system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. CSVV can be caused by an allergic reaction to drugs, such as antibiotics, diuretics and blood pressure medicines, as well as foods or food additives.

How long does cutaneous vasculitis last?

The initial acute rash of small vessel vasculitis usually subsides within 2–3 weeks, but crops of lesions may recur over weeks to several months, and hypersensitivity vasculitis may rarely become relapsing or chronic.

What causes hypersensitivity vasculitis?

Hypersensitivity vasculitis, or cutaneous small vessel vasculitis, is caused by: An allergic reaction to a drug or other foreign substance. A reaction to an infection.

Is vasculitis related to psoriasis?

Study links psoriasis with blood vessel inflammation . A new study suggests severity of the skin condition psoriasis is associated with increased inflammation of the blood vessels , or vasculitis. Researchers have associated greater severity of psoriasis with increased inflammation of the blood vessels.

What does systemic vasculitis mean?

Systemic vasculitis is a progressive disorder that may impact blood vessel function anywhere in the body and, ultimately, jeopardize tissue and organ health. Individuals who develop systemic necrotizing vasculitis may experience a variety of signs and symptoms that can affect several body systems.

What are vasculitic ulcers?

Vasculitic ulcers are in fact a collection of inflammatory conditions that affect the integrity of micro vessels in the human body. These vessels include arterioles , capillaries and postcapillary venules.