Solar purpura (also known as "Actinic purpura," and "Senile purpura") is a skin condition characterized by large, sharply outlined, 1- to 5-cm, dark purplish-red ecchymoses appearing on the dorsa of the forearms and less often the hands.[1]:825
The condition is most common in elderly white persons. It is caused by sun-induced damage to the connective tissue of the skin.[2]
No treatment is necessary. The lesions typically fade over a period of up to 3 weeks.[3]