Solar purpura (say "PURR-pyuh-ruh" or "PURR-puh-ruh") is a condition that causes one or more flat, purple bruises. It often occurs on the hands, forearms, and legs. What is solar purpura?

Context Explanation

Solar purpura is a common skin disorder characterized by easy bruising that results in the appearance of flat, purple patches, associated with extensive sun exposure. Solar purpura (also known as "Actinic purpura," and "Senile purpura") is a skin condition characterized by large, sharply outlined, 1- to 5-cm, dark purplish-red ecchymoses appearing on the dorsa of the forearms and less often the hands. Discover solar purpura, red blood cells leaking into previously sun-damaged skin. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

Insight Material

Actinic purpura, also known as solar purpura, Bateman purpura, senile purpura, or Bateman disease is a common disorder of dermal connective tissue due to damage from chronic sun exposure. Solar purpura occurs almost exclusively in older adults, and the effects are more pronounced in those with lighter skin phototypes. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur with resolution of the purpura. Discover effective strategies to manage and treat solar purpura, from medical interventions to practical at-home care. Effective strategies for managing solar purpura.

Final Conclusion

Learn prevention techniques and treatments to strengthen fragile, sun-damaged skin. It often occurs on the hands, forearms, and legs. Purpura is common in older people. It is called solar purpura because it occurs most often on areas that are exposed to the sun. The bruises bother some people because of how they look. But they aren't serious.

Learn about solar purpura, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, including prevention through sun protection.