Solar purpura
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Synopsis

Solar purpura (senile purpura, actinic purpura) is a benign form of purpura related to sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation induces atrophy of the dermis, rendering dermal blood vessels vulnerable to minor trauma. This trauma itself often goes unrecognized, yet it causes leakage of red blood cells into the dermis. This manifests clinically as violaceous macules and patches on the hands and the extensor surfaces of the arms, which persists for several weeks. Solar purpura occurs almost exclusively in elderly individuals, and the effects are more pronounced in those with lighter skin phototypes.
Codes
ICD10CM:
D69.2 – Other nonthrombocytopenic purpura
SNOMEDCT:
53751009 – Solar purpura
D69.2 – Other nonthrombocytopenic purpura
SNOMEDCT:
53751009 – Solar purpura
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Other causes of purpura:
- Steroid atrophy
- Anticoagulants
- Abuse
- Coumadin necrosis (warfarin necrosis)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- Vitamin K deficiency
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Scurvy
- Infections (eg, meningococcemia, rickettsial disease)
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Updated:09/26/2017

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