Solar Purpura

Who's At Risk?

Older adults are most often affected, usually after minor injuries that went unnoticed. Prior overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun weakens the blood vessels, allowing blood to escape under the skin. Solar purpura is more likely to occur in adults with long-term exposure to the sun, and it is most noticeable on people with lighter skin colors.

The chances of developing solar purpura are increased in people taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids, aspirin, blood thinners, and anticoagulants such as warfarin (eg, Coumadin).

Signs & Symptoms

Look for dark-red-to-purple macules (small, flat areas of skin color changes) and patches (flat areas of skin color changes larger than a thumbnail) on the arms, backs of the hands, legs, and sometimes the face and neck. You may or may not recall previously bumping the affected area of skin.

Self-Care Guidelines

Solar purpura is a common, harmless condition. Further exposure to the sun should be prevented by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) and by wearing sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, etc. Wearing two layers of clothing to help minimize the effects of mild trauma to the skin may be helpful.

Treatments

A skin biopsy may be performed if the diagnosis is in doubt. Although solar purpura is harmless, your medical professional may recommend ways to speed up the healing process and to prevent further damage.

Visit Urgency

When areas of “bruising” appear without explanation, you should consult your medical professional to rule out other, more serious conditions and for advice on managing and healing the affected area.

Trusted Links

• MedlinePlus: Purpura
• Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Solar Purpura

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.