Extravasation of red blood cells with marked hemosiderin deposition in macrophages is also found. Five cases were diagnosed as having lichen aureus and the remainder had more extensive capillaritis. All races may be affected. Itching purpura and the dermatosis of Gougerot and Blum mainly affect middle-aged men. Lichen aureus and Majocchi's disease are predominantly diseases of children or young adults.
Patients complain about the appearance of their skin.
In Schamberg's disease, irregular plaques and patches of orange-brown pigmentation develop on the lower limbs. The lesions are chronic and persist for years. There is a tendency with time for many the lesions to extend but some may also clear spontaneously. In itching purpura, the lesions are much more extensive and patients typically also complain of severe pruritus. The lower limbs are affected in Schamberg's disease, while itching purpura is characterized by more generalized skin involvement.