Bateman's Purpura: Causes of Bruising on Hands and Arms

Author: Ian C. Langtree - View Credentials
Published: 10 Nov 2010 - Updated: 5 Nov 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information describes Bateman's purpura, also called actinic, solar or senile purpura, a common condition that causes flat, painless purple bruises on the backs of the hands and forearms. It explains how years of sun exposure and aging weaken the small blood vessels and supporting tissue under the skin, why aspirin, blood thinners, alcohol and corticosteroids can make it worse, how the bruises look and change over time, and which creams, sun protection and cosmetic options may help. Bateman's purpura affects about one in eight people over 50, and the information is useful for seniors and caregivers worried by sudden bruising, since it is usually harmless but can be confused with injury or a bleeding disorder.

At a Glance

• 1 - Thomas Bateman first described the condition in 1813.
• 2 - The bruises do not turn pale when pressed and usually stop short of the fingers.
• 3 - Healed bruises can leave white, star-shaped marks known as stellate pseudoscars.
• 4 - A doctor can usually diagnose it by looking at the skin, and tests are only needed when the cause is unclear.

Topic Definition

Actinic Purpura

Actinic purpura, also known as Bateman's purpura or senile purpura, is a harmless skin condition in which flat purple or red bruises appear after minor knocks on thin, sun-damaged skin, usually on the backs of the hands and the forearms. It occurs because long-term ultraviolet exposure and aging weaken the collagen that supports small blood vessels in the dermis, so they rupture easily and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. The bruises fade over one to three weeks and are not a sign of a bleeding disorder.

Overview

What is Bateman's Purpura?

Bruising on the back of a person's hands and arms is fairly common. When it occurs, dermatologists refer to it as, 'actinic purpura,' 'Bateman's purpura,' or, 'solar purpura.' Thomas Bateman first reported this condition in 1813. Today, Bateman's purpura occurs in about 12% of people over age 50.

Clinically speaking, Bateman's Purpura is described as a weakening of the blood vessels and connective tissues just below the surface of the skin. Because these structures are weakened, they tend to break easily when injury occurs, resulting in a release of blood near the surface of the skin. This pooling of blood appears as large red or purplish blotches on the skin. These red or purple discolorations on the skin do not blanch on applying pressure. They are caused by bleeding underneath the skin.

The bruising often looks like flat blotches that begin with a red coloration, then turn purple, darken, then eventually fade. The bruises are different from other bruises in various ways; for example - the person usually hasn't experienced an injury in order to cause them, and the bruises are painless not tender. The bruises also last longer than regular ones do, often for a period of a few weeks.

• Solar Purpura - (also known as "Actinic purpura," and "Senile purpura") is a skin condition characterized by large, sharply outlined, 1 - 5cm, dark purplish-red ecchymoses appearing on the dorsa of the forearms and less often the hands.
• Bateman Purpura - Caused by lack of support of blood vessels secondary to old age. Can also be caused by corticosteroid therapy.

The bruises usually happen on the back of a person's hands or forearms when the skin is thin, wrinkly, and sun-damaged.

The bruising is largely experienced by persons who are older; actinic purpura is due to the weakening of a person's blood vessel walls over many years of exposure to the sun. Blood thinners such as coumadin or aspirin, as well as consumption of alcohol, can make the condition worse. Administration of steroids, through the form of a cream, pill, or inhalants such as asthma pumps/puffers, can induce thinner skin and this form of bruising as well. Bateman's purpura is essentially a skin disease associated with people who are older, although it can occur in people from any age group.

The bruising can result from even a very minor trauma, one the person might not even remember. The bruises or, 'ecchymoses,' can appear to be any color from blue to black depending on the age of the bruise. Many times, a number of them are present on each of the person's arm, a characteristic location. The bruises heal with a whitish and irregularly-shaped scar called a, 'stellate pseudoscar.' Bateman's purpura refers to flat and irregular, purple bruising that appears on a person's skin as they age. Bateman's purpura also occurs on skin that has been exposed to the sun such as a person's hands or forearms.

While Bateman's is common, it is not dangerous. Sometimes, medications can also cause the disease because the medications affect the person's blood platelets, resulting in Bateman's purpura. The disease affects women and men equally, although it does affect people with fair complexions more often.

Causes of Bateman's Purpura

Aspirin, prednisone - an oral, synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid (steroid), and alcohol use can all contribute to the formation of Bateman's purpura. Aspirin and alcohol both thin a person's blood and make it easier to leak into their skin, while prednisone causes a person's blood vessel walls to become more fragile. Bateman's purpura is found most often in people who have skin that is sun-damaged and who are over the age of fifty.

Bateman's purpura is due to the weakening of a person's blood vessel walls. Over a number of years, sunlight damages a person's skin and their blood vessels underneath, making the walls of their blood vessels very fragile. Even slight trauma, such as bumping against something, can cause the walls of the person's blood vessels to break and their blood to leak into their surrounding skin.

Signs and Symptoms of Bateman's Purpura

• Major symptoms of Bateman's purpura include skin that appears both thin and wrinkly, nearly flimsy in appearance, as well as flat and irregular purple lesions on the person's skin as they age.
• The purple lesions or bruises show up on the person's face, neck, forearms, or hands.
• The bruising is not related to either pruritus or pain and they commonly last between one and three weeks.
• The bruises are bigger than three millimeters around and are usually present on the outer surfaces of the person's forearms and the dorsa of the person's hands, but do not extend onto the person's fingers.
• The bruising is present in the area of atrophic and inelastic damaged skin.
• Bateman's purpura may be diagnosed through a clinical examination; a laboratory investigation is only needed if a diagnosis is not readily apparent.

Treating Bateman's Purpura

The use of cosmetics may help to conceal the bruising associated with actinic purpura. Dermablend cosmetics are often recommended for dermatologic conditions like actinic purpura and may be purchased at department stores.

• Application on a daily basis of Retin-A prescription cream, or alpha-hydroxy acid cream, can help to increase the thickness of the person's skin and could help.
• The hormone progesterone in lotion form can help women with actinic purpura.
• Limiting sun exposure can help to improve the health of the skin.

Other treatment of Bateman's purpura can include:

• Vitamin K cream applied to the skin daily
• Daily application of alpha hydroxy-acid lotions
• Application of cosmetics to camouflage the lesions

Purpurex

An oral supplement known as Purpurex, designed to address senile purpura, is said to not only reduce the appearance of existing Bateman's Purpura but also significantly slow the development of others in the future. Purpurex contains a blend of natural ingredients, including: Citrus bioflavonoids, Rutin, Ascorbic Acid, Hesperidin, Eriocitrin, and Arnica Montana. In a clinical trial, Purpurex demonstrated significant improvements in reducing the appearance of senile purpura: 50% reduction in purpura lesions after 6 weeks of use, and progressive improvement with 19%, 29%, and 50% decrease in lesions at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bateman's purpura a sign of leukemia?

No. Bateman's purpura is caused by fragile, sun-damaged skin, not a blood cancer. Bruising with tiredness, fever, frequent infections or bleeding elsewhere should be checked by a doctor.

Can Bateman's purpura be prevented?

It cannot always be prevented, but daily sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding bumps to the arms can reduce new bruises.

Does vitamin C help with Bateman's purpura?

Vitamin C supports collagen, and a deficiency can cause bruising, but supplements have limited evidence of benefit for people who already eat a balanced diet.

Should I stop taking aspirin if I bruise easily?

No. Aspirin and other blood thinners are often prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes, so talk to your doctor before making any change.

What kind of doctor treats Bateman's purpura?

A primary care doctor can usually diagnose it, and a dermatologist can advise on creams and ways to protect fragile skin.

Can skin tears happen with Bateman's purpura?

Yes. The same thin, fragile skin tears easily. Tears should be cleaned gently, covered with a non-stick dressing and checked by a nurse or doctor if they are large.

Does Bateman's purpura get worse with age?

It often becomes more noticeable over time as skin thins further, especially with continued sun exposure or long-term steroid use.

Is Bateman's purpura the same as bruising from low platelets?

No. Low platelets cause bruises and tiny red spots on many parts of the body, while Bateman's purpura stays on sun-exposed skin and blood counts are normal.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Although Bateman's purpura is harmless, sudden or widespread bruising in an older person should not simply be blamed on age. Bruises on the trunk, legs or face, bleeding gums, nosebleeds or blood in the urine can point to a clotting or platelet problem, a medication side effect or, in some cases, injury or abuse, and are worth checking with a doctor. Daily sunscreen, long sleeves, padding on sharp furniture edges and gentle moisturizers help protect thin skin, and anyone taking blood thinners should never stop them without medical advice just to reduce bruising.

Author Credentials: Ian C. Langtree is a writer, editor, and the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, which he established in 2004 as one of the longest-running independent resources for disability news and information. Over more than two decades, he has written and edited thousands of articles on disability rights, health, accessibility, and assistive technology. Drawing on a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed advocate of the Social Model of Disability, the framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that focuses on removing societal barriers rather than on individual impairments. His writing is grounded in that framework and in a lasting commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.