Solar purpura (also known as 'Actinic purpura,' and 'Senile purpura') is a skin condition characterized by large, sharply outlined, 1- to 5-cm, dark purplish-red ecchymoses appearing on the dorsa of the forearms and less often the hands.:825 Solar purpura (also known as 'Actinic purpura,' and 'Senile purpura') is a skin condition characterized by large, sharply outlined, 1- to 5-cm, dark purplish-red ecchymoses appearing on the dorsa of the forearms and less often the hands.:825 The condition is most common in elderly people of European descent. It is caused by sun-induced damage to the connective tissue of the skin. No treatment is necessary. The lesions typically fade over a period of up to 3 weeks.