Solar purpura is a skin condition characterized by large, sharply outlined, 1- to 5-cm, dark purplish-red ecchymoses appearing on the dorsa of the forearms and less often the hands.

The condition is most common in elderly white persons. It is caused by sun-induced damage to the connective tissue of the skin.

No treatment is necessary. The lesions typically fade over a period of up to 3 weeks.