Why Do Purple Marks Appear on the Hands Even Without Remembering a Blow?

Sometimes we notice a purple patch on the back of the hand or on the arm, and can't recall when we received a blow.

The patch can look like a bruise, and sometimes it appears after light contact or friction that we don't attribute any importance to at all.

One possible reason for this is a phenomenon called Solar Purpura, also known as actinic purpura.

What is solar purpura?

These are bruises that appear mainly in areas that have been exposed to the sun over the years, such as the backs of the hands and the forearms.

They are formed when small blood vessels are damaged and red blood cells leak from them into the surrounding tissue.

Usually the skin does not tear, but a red-purple patch appears that can remain for days or weeks.

Why does it happen more with age?

Over the years, and mainly following cumulative damage from the sun's radiation, the skin loses part of the collagen and the support around the small blood vessels.

When this support weakens, the blood vessels become more vulnerable to light injuries.

Therefore even a small blow that we don't remember can leave a prominent mark.

Does it mean there is a problem with blood clotting?

Not necessarily.

Solar purpura is a known phenomenon, especially in older people with thin skin that has been exposed to a lot of sun.

But it's important not to assume that every unexplained bruise is caused by it.

Certain medications, including anticoagulants and steroids, and also disorders of blood clotting or of the platelet count, can cause bruises to appear.

If the marks appear suddenly, in large quantity, in many areas of the body, or are accompanied by bleeding from the nose or the gums, it's important to get checked.

Can the marks be prevented?

It's not always possible to prevent them completely, but it's possible to try to reduce the risk.

Daily protection from the sun can help reduce further damage to the skin.

It's advisable to avoid unnecessary friction and repeated injuries in areas of thin skin.

Moisturizer can improve the feeling and the state of dryness, but does not immediately repair the vulnerable blood vessels.

Do the patches themselves need treatment?

In most cases of diagnosed solar purpura, the patches pass on their own and there is no need for special treatment.

Sometimes a temporary color change remains even after the bruise is absorbed.

My daily recommendation

I think that as we grow older, it's important to know not only the changes seen in appearance, but also the changes in the skin's structure itself.

Skin that has become thinner and more vulnerable requires a little more gentleness and protection from us.

But it's also important not to attribute every new mark to age.

If bruises appear for no clear reason, especially when the phenomenon is new or worsening, it's advisable to check and not settle for an explanation of natural aging.

Nurit Rozenblat

With love,
Nurit Rozenblat
OrOrgani

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