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
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.