TDC Health News

Solar Purpura Published February 01, 2018 @ 8:00am

One of the most common concerns patients have is the easy bruising and discoloration they experience on their arms as they age. The name of this easy bruising is actinic purpura, or solar purpura. It occurs almost exclusively among the elderly as there is a loss of the subcutaneous fat and support of the skin structure and vessels. This allows minor trauma to rupture blood vessels and then bleeding occurs under the skin.

A new moisturizing bruise product, DerMend, has been formulated to specifically treat actinic purpura. It contains ingredients which stimulate skin thickness and growth of new collagen to support the blood vessels. The ingredients include, but are not limited to, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, arnica oil, niacinamide and phytonadione (vitamin K1). When used topically, patients have seen an improvement in the appearance of their skin as well as the easy bruising. We recommend patients use the product twice daily to affected skin and then apply a sunscreen that contains UVA and UVB to the areas.

Tulsa Dermatology Clinic offers DerMend for $25 before tax.

-Kelli A. Lovelace, M.D.

Dr. Lovelace is a 2003 graduate of the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at O.U. in 2007. She joined Tulsa Dermatology Clinic, Inc. in 2007. Dr. Lovelace is board certified in dermatology. In addition to our Tulsa office, Dr, Lovelace is seeing patients at our Claremore location on Tuesdays. Dr. Lovelace treats all medical and surgical dermatology diseases with a special interest in Botox and daily anti-aging skin care.