The Treatment of Progressive Pigmented Purpura with Ascorbic Acid and a Bioflavonoid Rutoside

Progressive pigmented purpura (PPP) is a group of dermatoses that are benign and usually self-limited. However, they may persist for months or years with frequent recurrences. Numerous treatments have been tried, but no effective therapy has yet proven to be successful. This report documents the treatment of a patient with one subtype of PPP using ascorbic acid and a bioflavonoid rutoside given orally. A 42-year-old male with biopsy-proven Eczematoid-like Purpura of Doucas and Kapetanakis was treated with ascorbic acid 500 mg twice a day and a bioflavonoid rutoside 50 mg twice a day. Treatment was successful, with quick defervescence of the rash and no recurrence to date.