Capillaritis, also known as the pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD) or benign pigmented purpura, refers to a collection of benign cutaneous conditions characterized by the appearance of cayenne pepper-like petechiae, purpura, and golden-brown pigmentation on the legs and less commonly on the trunk and upper extremities.

Several distinct clinical entities have been described:

• Schamberg disease: the most common manifestation of PPD in children
• Purpura annularis telangiectodes (Majocchi disease)
• Eczematid-like purpura of Doucas and Kapetanakis
• Pigmented purpuric lichenoid dermatosis of Gougerot and Blum
• Lichen aureus
• Linear pigmented purpura
• Granulomatous pigmented purpura

While PPD is uncommonly seen in children, all subtypes have been reported in the pediatric population.

Development of capillaritis has been associated with venous hypertension, increased capillary fragility, gravity, exercise, and focal infections. In the pediatric population, many cases are thought to be idiopathic.

Capillaritis is typically asymptomatic but may be pruritic. It is usually a chronic condition with intermittent exacerbations and remissions. There is no geographic or hereditary population predilection.