What is the cause of senile purpura?
Aging skin is thought to be the most common cause of senile purpura. As the body ages, the skin becomes thinner and more delicate. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays weakens the connective tissues that hold the blood vessels in their place.
What is the difference between purpura and senile purpura?
Purpura refers to purplish cutaneous or mucosal lesions caused by hemorrhage. Small lesions (< 2 mm) are termed petechiae, and large lesions are termed ecchymoses or bruises. Senile purpura typically affects older patients as their dermal tissues atrophy and blood vessels become more fragile.
Is senile purpura curable?
In most cases, there is no treatment required for senile 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.
Who gets senile purpura?
Senile purpura affects over 10% of those aged over 50 years old. It is equally common in males and females. Other risk factors include chronic sunlight exposure and the use of oral or topical corticosteroids and anticoagulants (blood thinners).
Should I worry about purpura?
Patients who experience purpura with any of the following symptoms should seek medical treatment: Low platelet count, which may lead to increased bleeding after an injury, bleeding gums or nose, or blood in urine or bowel movements. Sore, swollen joints, particularly in the ankles and knees.
What does senile purpura mean in medical terms?
Senile Purpura Definition. Senile purpura is a common condition in elderly people who are prone to develop bruises especially on their forearms and legs.
What kind of skin condition is Bateman’s purpura?
Senile purpura, also known as Bateman’s purpura or actinic purpura, is a condition that commonly affects aging skin. Fair skinned older people are more likely to develop the condition. It is characterized by oddly shaped discolored areas on exposed skin, usually on the arms and hands.
What kind of ecchymoses does senile purpura cause?
“Patients with senile purpura (SP) tend to bruise very easily and develop ecchymoses appearing most commonly on the extensor surfaces of the forearms, legs and hands following suspected trauma to those areas.
Is it possible to get rid of senile purpura?
Senile purpura is considered harmless. However, it cannot be cured with conventional methods. Bruises fade with the passage of time. It occurs with the increasing age. Long term avoidance of sun exposure may help with it. Supplementation with vitamin C, flavonoids and other antioxidants helps protecting the skin.