Bruising on the back of the hands and arms is most certainly a very common condition. Dermatologists usually refer to it actinic purpura, solar purpura or Bateman's purpura, depending on what is causing them. Usually these bruises star out as flat blotches in red, and after some time turn purple, then darken a bit further and eventually fade with the time.
They differ from regular bruises in several ways. Тhese bruises usually occur on the back of the hands and the forearms and last a little longer than normal bruises, often over the course of a several weeks. The skin often looks sun-damaged or thinner and wrinkly.
Actinic purpura is usually seen in older individuals and is caused by the weakened state of blood vessel walls (from years of sun exposure). Blood thinners can worsen this condition (meds such as aspirin, steroids and alcohol also could make the damage worse). Treatment for this condition includes blood thinning medication. Various types of cosmetic products can be used to camouflage the lesions with great success. Prevention of damage to the skin is a good way to keep the bruising from developing faster. Protective sleeves can be used to prevent skin trauma.
Common reasons your skin may bruise easily
Age
Skin loses some of the protective fatty layer with age. This layer provides cushioning against injury, such as bumps, hits and falls. Skin becomes thinner with the collagen production slowing with age so it takes much lesser force to cause a bruise than in younger age.
Purpuric dermatosis and similar conditions
This is a vascular condition (common with the elderly) that is causing high number of tiny bruises. It is often the result of blood leaking out of the smaller capillaries.
Leukemia and blood disorders
Blood disorders such as hemophilia and leukemia can cause excessive unexplained bruising.
Diabetes
Patients with diabetes can develop darker skin discolorations. It usually happens in areas where skin touches skin and can easily be mistaken for actual bruises. Diabetes connected bruising is often due to insulin resistance and patients should seek a medical professional immediately.
Excessive straining from exercise
Putting the muscles under excessive strain causes blood vessels to burst and can easily lead to visible bruising on the arms. Microscopic tears in the muscle fiber also cause bruises and are connected with excessive strain during exercise and specific sports such as weight lifting.
Perscribed or OTC (over-the-counter) medications
Meds such as aspirin, anticoagulants and anti-platelet agents can reduce the clotting of blood and help make bruising easier. Aspirin, prednisone, prednisolone, oral contraceptives and several others could weaken the blood vessels which increases bruising.
Genetic predisposition (family history)
If the patient has family members and relatives that tend to bruise easier, this could be acknowledged as a potential genetic tendency.
Pale skin
Pale skin doesn't make one more prone to bruising, but it gets bruising more visible than darker skin tones. Sun damage Human body needs sun exposure to produce vitamin D but excessive sun exposure can cause the skin to lose its resilience and pliability and makes it prone to bruising as well as more noticeable.
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