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Feb 13, 2023 · A bruise shows up when an injury makes small blood vessels under your skin bleed. Your skin isn’t broken, so the blood doesn’t have anywhere to go. It pools and forms clots and changes the ...
- Overview
- What are the symptoms of actinic purpura?
- What causes actinic purpura?
- How is actinic purpura diagnosed?
- How is actinic purpura treated?
- What is the outlook for actinic pupura?
Actinic purpura is benign, easy bruising that affects older adults. It’s sometimes called “senile purpura”. This occurs because the skin and the blood vessels become more fragile as we age, making it easier for our skin to bruise from minor trauma. This is different than conditions that cause easy bruising due to bleeding disorders.
Actinic purpura is fairly common, affecting about 10 percent of people over the age of 50. This percentage increases with age.
The primary symptom of actinic purpura is large, purplish red bruises that are most common on the backs of the hands or the forearm. They become a brown discoloration as they fade.
These bruises typically last between one and three weeks before fading. They fade to brown instead of having the typical coloration of a fading bruise, which may look blue, green, or yellow at different healing points. The brown discoloration may fade, but it could be permanent.
The most common factor that most directly affects the development of actinic purpura is thin, easily damaged skin. Sun damage over a long period of time can also play a role in developing actinic purpura, as this can weaken our connective tissues over time.
Vascular diseases or medications that affect the blood vessels can also contribute to the development of actinic purpura. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus may also increase the likelihood of developing the lesions.
Certain drugs, including corticosteroids and aspirin, may exacerbate the lesions.
In most cases, actinic purpura develops from minor trauma, even though it looks like the person sustained a serious injury.
If you’re experiencing a sudden increase in large bruises on your body, make an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and do a physical assessment. If they see that your ecchymoses — or lesions — are painless and restricted to the hands and forearms with no other abnormal bleeding, they’ll likely diagnose you with actinic purpura.
In most cases, there is no treatment required for actinic purpura. However, some people dislike the appearance of the bruises and seek treatment.
Your doctor can prescribe topical retinoids that thicken your skin to prevent further skin aging. This then reduces the risk for actinic purpura. However, retinoids have many side effects that may outweigh any potential benefits.
Actinic purpura is not dangerous and is completely benign, but unless changes are made, the condition is likely to be recurring. Wearing sunblock can help protect your skin from further sun damage.
Most purpuric lesions last between one and three weeks, though the discoloration may be permanent after they fade. You can talk to your dermatologist about how to reduce their appearance.
May 9, 2024 · Bruises are never fun, and that’s especially true when they show up on an extremely visible area like your face. Thankfully, there are a number of first aid techniques and home remedies you can use to heal the impacted area quickly and effectively. Method 1.
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Apr 13, 2023 · You may treat bruises at home with some of the following options: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Wrap the pack in cloth to avoid putting it directly on your bruised skin.
Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. See your health care provider if you: Have frequent, large bruises, especially if your bruises appear on your trunk, back or face or seem to develop for no known reasons
- Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms o...
- Aspirin, anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents reduce your blood's ability to clot. Antibiotics might also be associated with clotting...
- To prevent minor bruising, take steps to avoiding falling: 1. Use good lighting in your home. 2. Avoid clutter and throw rugs, especially on stairs...
Feb 9, 2017 · Discuss the bruises. Ask questions such as: What exactly does the patient mean by a bruise? Do they have any bruises now or photographs of bruises previously? Have they noticed small red spots (petechiae) or purple patches (purpura) with the bruises? Is bruising spontaneous or inflicted by trauma? Is the severity out of proportion to the trauma?
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Aug 9, 2024 · Bruising easily can be a sign of aging, a symptom of a health condition, or a side effect of medication. Learn about the causes of bruising and ways to prevent it.
