• Epidemiology
  1. Occurs equally in men and women
  2. Prevalence
    1. Age 60-70 years old: 2%
    2. Age 90-100 years old: 25%
  • History
  1. First described by Bateman in 1818
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Chronic Sun Exposure resulting in dermal connective tissue damage
  2. Solar Purpura refers to acute Purpura after Sun Exposure, while actinic and Senile Purpura refer to chronic Purpura
  • Risk Factors
  1. Advancing age
  2. Sun Damaged Skin
  3. Aspirin, NSAIDs or Anticoagulant use
  • Signs
  1. Dark purple patches and Ecchymosis on sun exposed skin
  2. Distribution (common)
    1. Dorsal hands
    2. Extensor Forearms
  3. Timing
    1. Lesions spontaneously resolve within 2 weeks (prolonged to 3 weeks in impaired Phagocyte activity)
  • Management
  1. Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection
  2. Medications that have been used for Actinic Purpura
    1. Retinol
    2. Alpha hydroxy Acids
    3. Arnica Oil
    4. Ceramides
    5. Niacinamide (Niacin, Vitamin B3)
    6. Phytonadione (Vitamin K1)
  3. Combination product
    1. Moisturizing Bruise Product (DerMend)
  • Complications
  1. Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
  • References
  1. Email communication with Joe Weidner, MD, received 10/3/2018
  2. Ceilley (2017) J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 10(6): 44-50 [PubMed]