Solar purpura (senile purpura, actinic purpura, dermatoporosis) is a benign form of purpura related to actinic damage. Ultraviolet radiation induces solar elastosis and atrophy of the dermis, and in conjunction with age-related loss of subcutaneous fat, renders dermal blood vessels vulnerable to minor trauma. The trauma itself often goes unrecognized, yet it causes leakage of red blood cells into the dermis. This manifests clinically as purpuric, violaceous macules and patches on the hands and the extensor surfaces of the arms and less frequently the legs, which may persist for several weeks. Solar purpura occurs almost exclusively in older adults, and the effects are more pronounced in those with lighter skin phototypes. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur with resolution of the purpura.