Do you find yourself seeing unexplained bruising on your hands and arms? If they are marks that look like bruises but don’t hurt you could be experiencing a dermatological condition rather than a sore spot on your body. Solar or actinic purpura is a disorder that affects the skin due to chronic exposure to the sun over a lifetime. Purpura becomes more common as people age but not associated with any health issues except sun damaged skin. The bruises are cosmetic and asymptomatic. If random bruises without pain are being found on your body, keep reading to learn more about Solar Purpura, its symptoms, its causes, and more.
What is Solar Purpura?
Solar Purpura, also referred to as Actinic Purpura or Bateman’s Purpura (after the famous British dermatologist) is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of purple or red discolorations (bruises) on the skin. These marks are caused by the weakening of blood vessels due to long-term sun exposure. Typically, Solar Purpura is more common in older adults, as their skin loses elasticity and becomes more fragile over time. Solar Purpura look like bruises and typically are confined to sun exposed skin on hands, forearms, and distal upper arms.
Purpura occurs when red blood cells leak from the blood vessels into the skin, creating a discolored area on the skin that varies in size from pinpoint to the entire exposed skin area. The bruises will appear after the slightest trauma and are not related to taking blood thinners. In contrast to other more serious causes of bruises, actinic purpura is not tender or itchy.
What Does Solar Purpura Look Like?
As mentioned above, Solar Purpura commonly looks like unexplained bruising on the body. The key symptoms of Solar Purpura include:
- Spontaneous formation of easy bruising on the sun-exposed portions of arms and hands
- Bruises appear after inapparent or minor trauma
- Skin can appear thin and fragile
- Discoloration that does not fade or change with pressure
These symptoms may cause concern and discomfort for individuals experiencing Solar Purpura, highlighting the importance of understanding the condition and seeking appropriate management.
What Casues Solar Purpura?
The primary cause of Solar Purpura comes from prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation. This is more common in people with fair complexion and/or who have spent a lot of time outdoors without sunscreen. Over time, the skin undergoes changes that lead to the weakening of blood vessels, making them more susceptible to damage and bruising. These bruises are more common and more pronounced in people who take medicines such as corticosteroids or aspirin and other blood thinners. Factors such as age, skin type, and genetics can also predispose individuals to developing solar purpura.
How to Manage Solar Purpura
Solar purpura does not have a cure but there are strategies to improve the appearance and prevent it from worsening.
- Wear sunscreen or rated sun-screening long-sleeved clothing on a daily basis.
- The ultraviolet light that contributes to solar purpura is constant throughout the day, throughout the year, goes through clouds, and goes through glass.
- Sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 and reapplied if outside for more than two hours
- While there is no data to support vitamin C supplements, it might be helpful
- Ensuring the correct diagnosis is essential as there may be treatment options available
When Should Solar Purpura Cause Concern?
While solar or actinic purpura is not a health problem, it is a sign of excessive sun exposure without adequate protection over a lifetime putting someone at increased risk for skin cancer. It would be appropriate to have a complete skin examination to evaluate for any other sun-related problems.
Solar Purpura is a condition that highlights the importance of sun protection and skin care, especially as we age. By understanding the symptoms, causes, management strategies, and being assessed in a dermatologist’s office, individuals can take proactive steps to address solar purpura and ensure healthy skin.
If you suspect that you have Solar Purpura or experience concerning symptoms related to skin bruising and discoloration, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions, providing expert guidance on managing Solar Purpura and maintaining skin health. As experts in the management of complex medical dermatology, Dr. Kaplan and the APD team strive to provide the highest quality, state-of-the-art medical care.
It is important to confirm that you have Solar Purpura instead of regular bruising or other possible skin or health conditions. Solar purpura is diagnosed by evaluating the signs and symptoms, understanding the individual’s medical history, and conducting a thorough physical examination. Laboratory tests are not usually conducted because individuals with solar purpura tend to have typical blood test results. If you are interested in learning more about Solar Purpura or find yourself with unexplained bruising that could be Solar Purpura, please contact us at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology of Kansas City.
Dr. David Kaplan is a leading dermatologist at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology Kansas City, dedicated to providing expert care in all skin-related matters. For more information or to schedule a consultation about acne treatments, call our office today at (913) 469-1115 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaplan and the team at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology.