Actinic Purpura

What Is It?

Actinic purpura is the appearance of flat, dark purple or red bruise-like patches, usually on the backs of the hands and forearms. They show up after minor bumps or knocks — or sometimes with no clear injury — because sun-aged skin and fragile blood vessels bruise easily. The patches are harmless and fade over one to three weeks, though new ones often keep appearing.

Signs & Symptoms

• Flat, dark purple or red bruise-like patches

• Mostly on the backs of the hands and forearms

• Appear after minor bumps, or with no clear injury

• Do not usually turn yellow/green like typical bruises

• Thin, fragile skin; patches fade over 1-3 weeks

Tips for Managing It at Home

• Wear long sleeves or arm protectors to prevent bumps and scrapes

• Use daily sunscreen and moisturize the arms and hands

• Be gentle removing tape or bandages, which can tear thin skin

• Reassurance: the patches are harmless and fade on their own

When to Call Your Provider

• Bruising that is sudden, widespread, or on the trunk

• Bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, or blood in urine/stool

• A skin tear, open wound, or sore that won't heal

• You take a blood thinner and notice a big increase in bruising