Have you ever noticed contusions or bruises on your skin without knowing where they are coming from? Or have you ever seen red or purple patches on your skin, and you don’t know how you could possibly get them? If you have faced any of these, you don’t have to worry, you might be dealing with solar purpura.
It is also known as senile purpura or actinic purpura. This condition is harmless but can be very annoying. It often occurs in adults, people with fair skin, and those who have exposed their skin to the sun for a long time.
People often get concerned about how these patches or bruises appear on their skin unexpectedly and will take a longer time to clear up. There is some good news. There are treatments and ways to avoid these bruises or patches. In this article, we will see solar purpura treatment, the cause, and its meaning.
What Is Solar Purpura?
Solar Purpura is a condition that pops up on the skin as red or purple patches, bruises, or contusions. They mostly appear on areas that are more exposed to sunlight, areas like the back of the arms or the forearms. When the skin gets exposed to sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays over time, it breaks down the protein that keeps the skin firm and elastic, making it weak.
When the skin weakens, capillaries which are tiny blood vessels will just be broken or burst from the thinnest bump or a small hit. These may cause bruises to appear on the skin. The bruises that appear on the skin do not hurt or itch but stay on the skin for a while.
Who Gets It and Why?
Not everyone gets solar purpura. Below is the list of people who are likely to get solar Purpura:
- People who are over 60
- People who take steroids or blood thinners
- People who have fair skin
- People are exposed to the sun for a prolonged time
- People who have health conditions like diabetes.
Solar Purpura is a common condition that a lot of people face, and there are ways to deal with it.
How to Treat Solar Purpura
You can’t get rid of Solar purpura completely, but there are ways to make your skin stronger to reduce the number of bruises and patches that may appear on your skin. Below are treatments and remedies that may help:
Organic Treatment Options: Arnica & Bromelain
People’s tastes differ in what they want to apply to their skin; some prefer using bromelain supplements, which are from pineapple, while some prefer using arnica gel. The difference between these two is that bromelain is an enzyme that is found in pineapple, and it helps in bruising healing, while arnica gel is used to reduce any type of bruising and inflammation. The science about both is not so sure, but it is preferable to ask your doctor before use.
Vitamin K cream
Vitamin K helps to speed up healing and reduce bruising. It can be found in stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. It is safe to use daily and can be used with confidence.
Moisturizers
When the skin is fragile and dry, it is most likely to get easily bruised. The use of creams that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter will strengthen the skin barrier. These thick creams lock in moisture.
Bioflavonoid Supplements
Supplements like bioflavonoids reduce inflammation and strengthen blood vessels. Diosmin and hesperidin are like citrus bioflavonoids; they reduce skin fragility and support blood vessels. But when dealing with supplements, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Silicone Gel sheets
Silicone gel sheets are often used for scars but can also be used to remove dark spots, and they improve the appearance of the skin.
Cold Compress
Whenever you hit yourself, applying a cold compress will help prevent a bruise from forming. It will reduce the blood flow and size of the bruise.
Visit here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311725 to learn more about how you can treat solar purpura.
How to Prevent It from Getting Worse
The popular saying is that prevention is better than a cure. So when dealing with solar purpura, it’s better to prevent it than to cure it. Below are a few simple changes that can help you prevent it from occurring.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking a lot of water can make your skin soft and healthy. When the skin is hydrated, it will become less prone to injury
Eat Skin-Healthy Foods
Vitamin C-rich fruits, greens, and foods that are high in omega-3s support collagen. Taking food that contains these nutrients, including antioxidants, can strengthen and help your skin repair itself.
Click here to know more foods for healthy skin.
Always use sunscreen
The application of sunscreen is not only when you are exposed to the sun. Our skin gets exposed to Ultraviolet rays even on cloudy days. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to your arms and legs.
Be Aware of Your Medications
Some medications can make your skin prone to bruises and injuries. Some of these medications are blood thinners and steroids. If you notice that some of your medications may be causing such symptoms, it is advisable to contact your doctor. But do not stop the medications on your own.
Wear protective arm gear
When engaging in fun or adventurous activities, it is necessary to wear protective arm gear. This will reduce the amount of bumping and the amount of bruising.
Be gentle with your skin.
When cleansing your body in the shower, avoid scrubbing your skin too hard. If you are using any harsh soap, preferably change it to a gentle soap. And finally, when drying your body, do not rub it but pat it off.
Conclusion
Solar purpura is a harmless skin condition that becomes more common with age, sun exposure, and thinning skin. There is no direct way for it to be cured, but there are ways it can be prevented.
Taking steps like staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, always using sunscreen, being aware of your medications, wearing protective arm gear, and being gentle with your skin, you can protect your skin from bruising and strengthen it.
Having solar purpura doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong, it’s just a part of how our skin changes over time. With a little care and consistency, you can feel good in your skin again, purple patches and all.