Unusual bruising, or puerperal type areas. all over extremities, what is the cause??

bruises on both legs, and now are showing up on forearms and hands. have not bumped or ran into things, don't know why all of a sudden, there is all these purple red areas on body. This is happening to a friend of mine, I do know that she is taking medications for htn, and cholesterol issues. but other wise is healthy.