At 85, what is causing purple spots on my grandmother's legs?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your grandmother has been suffering from purple spots on her legs and arms with osteoporosis.

When small blood vessels are ruptured, causing blood to pool under the skin, it can create purple spots on the skin known as purpura. Purpura may result from illnesses such as bleeding disorders, a recent history of blood transfusion, cancer, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), infections like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis C, CMV (cytomegalovirus), EBV (Epstein-Barr virus), etc.

It may also occur due to inflammation of blood vessels, bloodstream infection, vitamin C deficiencies, medications like Heparin, Aspirin, Sulphonamide, steroids, chemotherapy, Digoxin, Hormone replacement therapy, etc. Purpura are usually benign and may result from the above-mentioned causes, and their sizes can vary from small dots to large patches.

Senile purpura is benign and affects older people as their skin and underlying blood vessels become more fragile with aging, and may bleed from minor trauma. The treatment depends on the causes, and most of the purpura does not need any treatment and resolves over time. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to heal. The treatments are only needed for those who have not disappeared over time. You can use topical retinoids along with her current medications.

I want to add that, according to the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity) that are shown here, your grandmother has been suffering from age-related senile purpura. Give her vitamin C and citrus foods like oranges, lemons, etc., with the application of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, along with the previously mentioned medications.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you are absolutely right. Your grandmother's purpura has developed as her skin and underlying blood vessels become more fragile with age, and photodamage can rupture and bleed even with negligible trauma during sleeping or awakening.

In case of senile purpura, usually no investigations are needed. As she has already done, it is fine. Just continue the mentioned medications and measurements along with her current medications.

Thank you.