Senile purpura is a common finding in the elderly that may be unsightly.
Mechanism: may be multifactorial - vascular fragility, skin laxity, chronic sun exposure, lack of exercise
Haboubi et al reported an association with zinc deficiency.
Clinical features:
(1) age >= 65 years of age
(2) presence of purpura and/or ecchymoses
(3) benign clinical picture
(4) exclusion of other causes of purpura
Differential diagnosis:
(1) drug-induced purpura
(2) scurvy
(3) malignancy
(4) elder abuse
(5) falls
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology
