Unsatisfactory explanation of recent bruising on forearms/hands

I have had this issue for several years. I’m 73. I know a number of people who also have it. It is, in fact, old skin. Especially if you have had a lot of exposure to the sun. I can’t remember the name for it but I develop dark red or purpleish blotches or bruises from my elbow to my knuckles, often without having had any blows to my skin. Those sometimes seem to appear overnight. Not a lot you can do about it. Harmless but unsightly. And very very common.

I have this as well. Not only ugly bruising but skin tears. I have been to 4 dermatologists, but have been told that nothing can be done. They recommend using a good moisturizer or DermEnd cream, but I find nothing helps. The condition is called “senile purpura” and is thin skin from aging and sun damage. One dermatologist prescribed Tretinoin retinol cream, which helped for a while, but no longer works. I keep reading that it’s a common problem, but even in large groups of senior citizens, I’ve never met anyone with this problem. It’s making me pretty miserable.

Thanks for the info and response @tcokeefe, good to know I'm not the only one with this and not the only one with frustrations about it. Makes sense it has to do with exposure to the sun too....as a runner I'm out a lot in the sun, as well as gardening. And that is the only place I get them, as well as the skin tears that @liene mentions below. Nice to know that I have "senile" something; makes me feel much better...! In any event, I'm going to see a dermatologist to make sure there isn't anything else going on.
Thanks again.

Thanks @liene for your comments! I'm planning on going to a dermatologist as well now. Want to have an expert (besides my GP and Ortho Drs and nurses) comment and have a look. Not sure why this showed up right after my recent surgery, but my PT lady today suggested perhaps due to the trauma/anesthesia/recovery over the last couple months could have something to do with it. We'll see.
Thanks again.

If I so much is bumper door knob an entire chunk of skin comes off. Sorry, pretty gross but it’s true. I have to push the skin back and then tape it over and hope that it stays. It’s like my arms from the elbow to the knuckles are made out of tissue paper. Do us all a favor and if you get any information about anything that can be done please pass it on! The only thing I have found so far is a cream called Dermend. I’m not sure it’s done anything, I’ve used it for a while. Good luck and keep us posted!

I have the same problem with skin tears, but I find that I can’t even put a bandaid on it, because when I take it off, my skin comes off with it. I finally found Bandaid “sensitive skin” bandaids, which aren’t as sticky. I’ve been using DermEnd for years, but I don’t really think it does anything.

Please let us know if your dermatologist has any ideas. It seems crazy that there’s no solution to this.

I've blamed my bruising on blood thinner (Warfarin); also when any slight scratch or rub starts bleeding. Last week my cardiologist looked at my arm and said this looks like the arm of an older man (I'm 79). I'll try to follow this thread to see if any new information is found.

I’m a 75 year woman that has bleeding and bruising on top of my forearms and both legs from the knee to the ankle. The skin doctor took a biopsy and I did not have vasculitis. She diagnosis the skin issue as Purpura due sun damage. My bruising takes the form of scratch's and complete bruising of the entire legs. My legs has looked like I have had trauma to my legs. My Rheumatologist is sending me to a hematologist for another opinion. Since I’m out at many social lot I’ve been wearing long pants and using want the skin doctor recommended for the arms, called Dermablend makeup and a setting powder. Purchased from Amazon, It gets use to applying, however, once on it covers well and looks natural.My Best to all of you and I will write the diagnosis from the hematologist,

@johnc3, like @liene, I'll be interested to hear what you learn from the dermatologist

You may also be interested in this related discussion with suggestions and resources to help you prepare your questions for your upcoming consultation
- Senile purpura bruises and treatment options: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hiding-old-lady-bruises/