Schamberg's purpura: association with persistent hepatitis B surface antigenemia and treatment with pentoxifylline

A 54-year-old man experienced an extensive asymptomatic purpuric eruption on both his legs consistent with Schamberg's purpura. Three months before, he had had an episode of acute viral hepatitis. Nine months later, the purpura was unchanged despite administration of a topical corticosteroid. Results of serologic evaluation revealed hepatitis B surface antigen. The patient was treated orally with pentoxifylline, 400 mg three times daily. After one month of therapy, the purpuric elements of his eruption had disappeared, and after two additional months most of the pigmentation had also faded.