title: Bathtub suction-induced purpura.
abstract: We report two cases of bathtub suction-induced purpura. Two girls, ages 9 and 14 years, developed recurring purpura "spontaneously" in the same lower back location and in the same U-shaped distribution. The patients had similar histopathologic findings, with extravasated erythrocytes and a sparse superficial inflammatory infiltrate. After extensive evaluation, one patient eventually admitted to self-inducing her lesions by creating suction against a bathtub. The second patient denied self-inflicting her lesions; however, her purpura improved when she stopped taking baths.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Maeran C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Landers
authors.forename: Theresa L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Schroeder
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001494:Baths; D002648:Child; D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011693:Purpura / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical