lukas_zb / Getty Images Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MDMedically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Solar purpura is a condition that causes bruises to appear on the skin without any kind of injury or trauma. These bruises are harmless and don’t hurt because they’re not caused by an injury. If you develop them, you may notice bruises on the back of your hands and forearms. Solar purpura often affects older adults, as solar purpura typically occurs due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Symptoms Bruising is the primary symptom of solar purpura, though you may also notice some changes to your skin in the areas surrounding the bruises.
Bruising Many people with solar purpura have just one symptom: bruises that seem to appear randomly on their skin. Normally, bruising is a sign of trauma or injury. For example, when you fall down, you might break some of the blood vessels under the skin, and since the blood has nowhere to go, it pools there until your body eventually reabsorbs it. People with solar purpura, however, often end up with bruises after normal, everyday activities or minor injuries that wouldn’t typically result in a bruise. Solar purpura bruises typically appear on the parts of the body most exposed to the sun, like the hands, arms, and face.
Most of the bruises are 1-4 centimeters (cm) in diameter, flat, and red or purple in color before gradually fading over a few weeks. Skin Changes Because solar purpura usually happens with aging and sun exposure, the skin around the bruises might show signs of damage and weakening. If you have solar purpura, your skin may also look thin, saggy, or wrinkly, have a yellowish hue, or have other evidence of aging and sun exposure, such as sunspots. What Causes Solar Purpura? Aging and long-term sun exposure are the most common causes of solar purpura. Both factors can weaken the walls of the blood vessels over time and leave them prone to easy breakage. The blood collects around the broken blood vessels just like it does after an injury or trauma, making a bruise appear under the skin. However, a few other factors can also weaken blood vessels and cause solar purpura, such as:
Medications like blood thinners, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) Alcohol consumption Risk Factors There are no risk factors for solar purpura other than its causes. In other words, aging, sun exposure, and use of certain substances are the only factors that increase your risk for the condition. However, your risk for solar purpura is higher when you have multiple risk factors. For example, prolonged sun exposure in an older adult can exacerbate solar purpura, and older adults who regularly take NSAIDs or drink alcohol are also more likely to have solar purpura. Diagnosis
* **Bruising:** A common medical condition characterized by discoloration of the skin due to blood leaking into the tissues. * **Causes:** Can be caused by trauma, medications, and underlying medical conditions. * **Diagnosis:** Healthcare providers can diagnose bruising based on a physical exam and medical history. * **Treatment:** Treatment depends on the cause of the bruising.
* **Definition:** Solar purpura is a harmless condition that appears as purple or brown spots on the skin. * **Cause:** It is caused by sun exposure, specifically the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. * **Appearance:** The spots are typically flat, round, and have a distinct color.
This summary discusses the potential benefits of topical skincare products for skin health and recovery. It highlights how certain ingredients, such as ceramide, niacinamide, and arnica gel, can contribute to improved skin health, potentially leading to reduced bruising and faster healing. **Detailed Text:**
The world of skincare is constantly evolving, with new products and ingredients emerging to address various skin concerns.
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher Keep your arms and legs covered with lightweight and breezy clothing Use a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses to protect your scalp and eyes You can take good care of your skin so it’s strong enough to handle minor trauma. In addition to protecting your skin from the sun, keep it moisturized, stay hydrated, quit or avoid smoking, and try to manage stress. You may also want to switch to gentler, hypoallergenic soaps and skincare products, use a humidifier to reduce dry air and wear gloves when you risk injuring your skin, such as while gardening.
This article discusses the causes and treatment of solar purpura, a condition where the skin becomes discolored due to prolonged sun exposure. **Detailed Text:**
Solar purpura, also known as solar dermatitis, is a common skin condition that arises from prolonged sun exposure. It manifests as a discoloration of the skin, typically appearing as purple or brown patches.
Actinic keratosis can be a precursor to skin cancer. ## Actinic Keratosis: Understanding the Basics
Actinic keratosis, often referred to as AK, is a common type of precancerous skin lesion. It is characterized by scaly, reddish patches that appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
* **Sun-Kissed Spots: Understanding Solar Purpura**
* **Purple Patches:
* Solar purpura is a condition where the skin develops purple spots, often appearing in clusters. * It is caused by sun exposure and can be a sign of skin weakening. * Solar purpura is not a serious condition, but it can be uncomfortable. * Treatment involves avoiding sun exposure and using topical creams.
Solar purpura is a condition that causes purple or reddish discoloration of the skin, often appearing as small, flat, and round spots. It is caused by sun exposure and is typically seen in people with fair skin. Solar purpura is usually harmless and resolves on its own within a few weeks.