27-05-2025
How to Recognize and Treat an Anemia Rash
An anemia rash may be caused by anemia itself or due to complications from anemia treatments. Depending on the type and cause, the rash may look like red or purple pinpoint spots, a bruise, or bumps.
There are many different types of anemias with different causes. They all have the same effect on the body: an abnormally low amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen through the body.
Some types of anemia can cause rashes, which are abnormalities on the skin. Sometimes, the rash that presents with anemia may be due to the anemia condition itself. Other times, the rash may be due to complications from the treatment of the anemia.
Read on to learn more about anemia rashes, including their causes and symptoms, how doctors diagnose them, treatment options, and more.
Anemia rash pictures
View the slideshow below for photos of anemia rashes.
Anemia rash causes and symptoms
There are different types of anemia, and the rash may look different with each type.
Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia is a rare condition, and it can be serious. You can develop it or inherit it from a parent.
Aplastic anemia occurs when the body's bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells. The rashes resemble patches of pinpoint red or purple spots, known as petechiae.
These red spots may be raised or flat on the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body but are more common on legs and feet.
Petechial spots do not typically cause pain or itching.
In aplastic anemia, not only is there a shortage of red blood cells, but there is also a lower-than-normal level of platelets, another type of blood cell. Low platelet count tends to result in bruising or bleeding more easily, leading to bruises that look like rashes.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder that causes tiny blood clots to form throughout the body.
This can cause the tiny red or purple spots known as petechiae, as well as unexplained purplish bruising that can look like a rash. The bruising is known as purpura.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare genetic disorder in which a genetic mutation causes the body to produce abnormal red blood cells that break down too quickly.
This can cause blood clots and unexplained bruising. This may look like a rash.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a condition in which an immune reaction causes the destruction of red blood cells.
The immune reaction can be triggered by bacterial infections, some medications, and even pregnancy.
It can cause bruising, which may look like a rash.
Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common types of anemia. People with iron deficiency may develop pruritus, which is the medical term for itchy skin. As you itch, you may scratch your skin, which can cause a rash-like-appearance.
In some cases, treatment for iron deficiency anemia may also cause rashes. Ferrous sulfate is a type of iron supplement that your doctor may prescribe to you if you have iron deficiency anemia.
Some people develop an allergy to the ferrous sulfate therapy. This can cause an itchy rash. The rash can appear anywhere on the body and may also cause blistering or peeling.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you think you have hives or an allergic rash due to ferrous sulfate, especially if you experience any swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
Diagnosing anemia rash
Your doctor may suspect anemia as the cause of your rash if it meets the physical description and is accompanied by other common anemia symptoms. These include:
pale skin
fatigue
shortness of breath
Your doctor may check you for anemia if you display symptoms such as:
rapid or irregular heartbeat
unexplained bruising
prolonged bleeding from cuts, especially minor ones
dizziness and headaches
nosebleeds
bleeding gums
frequent infections
Tests for anemia include blood tests.
If you're experiencing a rash or skin changes, you should make an appointment to see your doctor or dermatologist, especially if:
the rash is severe and comes on suddenly with no explanation
the rash covers your whole body
the rash doesn't improve with home treatment
you also experience other symptoms such tiredness, fever, weight loss, or changes in bowel movements
If you believe that the rash is a reaction to new iron supplements that you've started taking, seek immediate medical attention. You could be having an allergic reaction or could be taking too high of a dose.
Treatments for an anemia rash
The best way to treat an anemia rash is to treat the underlying cause. If your doctor diagnoses iron deficiency as a cause, they will likely have you start taking iron supplements.
Treating aplastic anemia is sometimes more difficult. Treatments for aplastic anemia can include:
blood transfusions
immunosuppressant drugs
stem cell transplant
Other treatments can depend on the specific type of anemia. Your doctor can provide more information about what treatments they recommend.
The bottom line
Some types of anemia, such as aplastic anemia and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), can cause petechiae, or pinpoint red or purple spots. They can resemble a rash.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and hemolytic uremic syndrome can cause bruising, which may also look like a rash.
Some people with iron deficiency anemia develop itchy skin. Scratching the skin can cause a rash-like appearance. Some medications for iron deficiency anemia, such as ferrous sulfate, can cause a rash. This allergic reaction is a medical emergency.
Contact your doctor if you develop a rash with an unknown cause. Your doctor may order blood tests to confirm anemia or rule out other possible causes. They can then advise on a suitable treatment plan, which typically focuses on addressing the anemia directly.
