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.