It is common in adults over 50.
Excessive sunlight exposure is the main cause, so exposed areas like the limbs are most often affected.
While solar purpura is usually harmless, it can sometimes indicate a more serious condition.
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For example, it can be a symptom ofleukemia.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and ways to manage solar purpura.
It will help you to consider whether to contact your healthcare provider about your symptoms.
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What Are the Symptoms of Solar Purpura?
Solar purpura are dark-colored bruises, patches, and spots on the skin.
They usually begin as deep red patches and turn into very dark purple.
The condition is more pronounced in people who have fair skin.
The area of the discoloration is well-defined and typically not itchy or tender to the touch.
They range in size from 4 millimeters and 10 millimeters in diameter.
While they can also occur on the face, it is not very common.
Individual solar purpura patches typically clear up on their own, but they can last a few weeks.
What Are the Causes of Solar Purpura?
Solar purpura occurs due to leaking blood vessels under sun-damaged skin.
As you get older,aging skinnaturally gets thinner.
At the same time, blood vessels become weak, leading to more chronic conditions of skin fragility.
The primary cause of solar purpura is excessive sun exposure over time.
The delicate skin is then easily damaged by a slight bump or scratch.
The use of certain medications, such as blood thinners or steroids, increases the risk of solar purpura.
How Is Solar Purpura Diagnosed?
Solar purpura is diagnosed based on visual examination and ruling out other causes of purpura.
For example, low blood platelet counts can causethrombocytopenicpurpura.
This occurs because when platelets are low, blood doesnt clot properly, which can lead to purpura.
Your healthcare provider may order bloodwork and urine tests to identify other causes.
In some cases, a small sample of skin will be removed for further examination.
What Kind of Healthcare Provider Should I See for Purpura?
If you develop purpura patches, see your primary healthcare provider.
You may also be referred to specialists, such as:
How Is Solar Purpura Treated?
Solar purpura usually heals on its own.
If the delicate skin also tears it can be treated like a normal cut.
Solar purpura can be treated by program of an alpha-hydroxy cream or tretinoin cream to increase skin thickness.
Makeup or concealer can cover the bruises.
How Long Does Solar Purpura Last?
A solar purpura patch can take several weeks to clear up.
Due to weakened blood vessels and age-related thinning skin, the skin can tear and cut more easily.
If a person with the condition bumps into something, an additional bruise can develop.
This can clear up over months or leave a permanent scar.
Solar purpura also may return.
While the appearance of solar purpura may be bothersome, it is not usually a sign of something serious.
Summary
Solar purpura is a common diagnosis in people over age 50 that’s not typically serious.
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