Senile Purpura Research Articles

A Case of Ramipril-Induced Angioedema and Solar Purpura

ABSTRACT This case report describes a patient who developed solar purpura after treatment for angioedema associated with ramipril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The patient presented to the ED with angioedema. She had been using ramipril for 2 years. Two days after she was admitted, a malar “butterfly” rash occurred on her face and purpura on her lower lip and chin, as well as the extensor part of her forearm. After testing and review of the patient history, she was diagnosed with solar purpura and began topical corticosteroid and antiscar cream treatment. The patient’s lesions healed with an atrophic scar in 3 weeks. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported in the literature.

Prediction models for skin tears in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe prevalence of risk prediction models for skin tears in the elderly is growing; however, there is still debate regarding the usefulness and suitability of these models for clinical use and additional study. ObjectiveThe purpose of this work is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published research on skin tear risk prediction models in the elderly. MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search of various databases, including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from the beginning until November 27, 2023. Data extraction from the chosen studies encompassed various elements, such as study design, sample size, outcome definition, data source, predictors, model development, and performance. The assessment of bias and applicability was conducted using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) checklist. The Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) checklist was utilized to assess the transparency in reporting the prediction models—a meta-analysis of the most common predictors to assess predictor reliability. In addition, a narrative synthesis was carried out to provide an overview of the qualities, bias risk, and effectiveness of the current models. The reporting procedures of this meta-analysis conformed to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. ResultsOut of the initially retrieved 1499 studies, this review included eight prediction models from eight selected studies. All the studies employed logistic regression to develop prediction models for skin tears. The prevalence of skin tears in the elderly varied from 3.0% to 33.3%. Senile purpura and a history of previous skin tears were the most commonly utilized predictors. The reported values for the area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.765 to 0.854. All the studies exhibited a high risk of bias, primarily due to inadequate reporting in the outcome and analysis domains. Furthermore, serious questions concerning their applicability were highlighted by four studies. ConclusionBased on the PROBAST checklist, the current models for predicting skin tears in the elderly showed a high risk of bias. The development of new prediction models with bigger sample sizes, appropriate study designs, and external validation from multiple sources ought to be the primary focus of future research. Patient or public contributionThere was no patient or public contribution to this systematic review. RegistrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42023494387.

Senile purpura, disseminated intravascular coagulation or a crime scene?

Senile purpura, disseminated intravascular coagulation or a crime scene?

3D bioprinting-a model for skin aging.

Human lifespan continues to extend as an unprecedented number of people reach their seventh and eighth decades of life, unveiling chronic conditions that affect the older adult. Age-related skin conditions include senile purpura, seborrheic keratoses, pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, diabetic foot wounds and skin cancer. Current methods of drug testing prior to clinical trials require the use of pre-clinical animal models, which are often unable to adequately replicate human skin response. Therefore, a reliable model for aged human skin is needed. The current challenges in developing an aged human skin model include the intrinsic variability in skin architecture from person to person. An ideal skin model would incorporate innate functionality such as sensation, vascularization and regeneration. The advent of 3D bioprinting allows us to create human skin equivalent for use as clinical-grade surgical graft, for drug testing and other needs. In this review, we describe the process of human skin aging and outline the steps to create an aged skin model with 3D bioprinting using skin cells (i.e. keratinocytes, fibroblasts and melanocytes). We also provide an overview of current bioprinted skin models, associated limitations and direction for future research.

Evaluation of Clinical Knowledge Regarding Geriatric Skin Conditions among Thai Physicians

Objective: Assess the knowledge of common geriatric skin conditions in Thai physicians.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted among Thai physicians attending annual dermatology courses by the Dermatological Society of Thailand from 2016 to 2019. Data was assessed based on knowledge of diagnosis and management of common geriatric skin conditions.Results: A total of 197 participants, mainly general practitioners, were included. The highest percentage of correct diagnoses were benign erythematous, eczematous lesions (35.5%, senile purpura; 36.0%, xerotic eczema), and malignant diseases (35.5%, basal cell carcinoma; 27.4%, squamous cell carcinoma; 11.7%, subungual melanoma; 24.4%, acral lentiginous melanoma). In contrasts, the lowest percentage of correct diagnosis were premalignant diseases (0.5%, arsenical keratosis; 4.6%, actinic keratosis; 1.0% Bowen’s disease) and benign hypopigmented lesion (0.5%, stellate pseudoscar; 7.6%, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis). Harmful treatment with systemic antifungal therapy was used in subungual melanoma (58.0%). Harmful management of senile comedone, subungual melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma was significantly found in physicians given the incorrect diagnosis. (p = 0.027, p <0.001, p = 0.014, respectively).Conclusion: Most physicians recognized malignant lesions, benign erythematous or eczematous diseases in elderly skin. Surprisingly, almost all physicians couldn’t diagnose premalignant lesions and benign hypopigmented lesions.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical or Oral Hydrolyzed Collagen in Women with Dermatoporosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Factorial Design Study.

Dermatoporosis defines the progressive chronic cutaneous insufficiency syndrome. Stage I is characterized by cutaneous atrophy, senile purpura, and stellate pseudoscars. To assess clinical, histologic, quality of life, and biophysical effects of oral and/or topical hydrolyzed collagen (HC) on forearm skinof postmenopausalwomen with Dermatoporosis stage I. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled factorial design study. Two groups of menopausal women with stage I dermatoporosis on forearms were randomized to oral HC 5g/day or matching placebo, and also to topical serum 2.5% HC or matching placebo once a day, for 6months. A total of 56 women, age range 60-93 years (mean 69.5 ± 7.3 years) were included. Comparing data from baseline and after 6months, no significant difference was observed for each intervention nor their comparison, for all efficacy parameters: clinical and quality of life scores, dermal elasticity, thickness and echogenicity, and histologic and immunohistochemical markers (p > 0.1). Larger studies to confirm our findings are warranted. In menopausal women with stage I dermatoporosis, oral or topical collagen peptides used alone or in combination do not have benefits on forearm skin after 6months of intervention, and therefore should not be used routinely in this population. CONSORT flow chart.

Efficacy of microneedle radiofrequency therapy in the treatment of senile purpura: A prospective study.

Radiofrequency (RF) devices have been used for skin rejuvenation and treating skin laxity. It may also be effective for senile purpura (SP) based on its action of promoting neocollagenesis with minimal epidermal damage. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microneedle RF for treating SP of the forearms in elderly. In this prospective study, 23 patients who underwent a single session of microneedle RF device (GENIUS, Lutronic Co., Korea) therapy for SP were enrolled. Histopathological features were assessed 1 week before and 8 weeks after therapy. The total amount of collagen and elastic fibers were measured using the computer vision method, and epidermal thickness and the number of blood vessels were analyzed using ImageJ. The clinical improvements were evaluated by blinded evaluators and the patients using investigator global assessment (IGA) and patient global assessment (PGA), respectively. Data regarding the number of purpuric lesions and the size of the largest lesion were collected via a telephone survey. The total amount of collagen and elastic fibers, and mean epidermal thickness tended to improve after RF treatments, although they did not reach statistical significance. The locally estimated scatterplot smoothing curve showed decreasing tendency in both size and number of purpuras as weeks progressed. PGA showed very satisfied in 65% of patients and IGA showed 39% near-total improvement and 43% marked improvement. There were no serious adverse events. Microneedle RF therapy induces remodeling of dermal circumstances with minimal epidermal impairment. It may be a promising therapeutic option for SP.

Is vulvar purpura a component of plasma cell vulvitis or mucosal porosis?

Here, we presented six women with isolated vulvar purpura. No associated lesions such as sclerosis, atrophy, or hypopigmentation were observed. All patients were in postmenopausal period. In this case series, we discussed if a non-blanching purpura could be a component of plasma cell vulvitis or “mucosal porosis”. The possibility of vulvar purpura was questioned as a mucosal equivalent of dermatoporosis which is an age-related degenerative process in the skin. While senile purpura is one of the morphological findings of dermatoporosis, vulvar purpura might be a part of “mucosal porosis”. Rapid response to topical estrogen was remarkable in all patients.

Novel Hemorrhagic Dermatologic Toxicity Associated with Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy

Background:Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (BTKi), including ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, are an integral part of the treatment paradigm for many B-cell malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and Waldenstrom macroglobulemia (WM). Dermatologic toxicities associated with drugs in this class including petechiae, easy bruising, panniculitis, folliculitis, and aphthous ulcerations have been previously documented (Sibaud et al Am J Clin Dermatol. 2020). The ecchymotic lesions noted in this recent review by Sibaud et al were noted to mimic solar purpura with discrete areas of bruising or hematoma. In the present case series, we present a cohort of patients experiencing an array of skin toxicities during treatment with ibrutinib or acalabrutinib including instances of striking confluent ecchymotic skin lesions.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients treated within our health system who had received ibrutinib, acalabrutinib or zanubrutinib treatment. IRB approval was obtained prior to collection of clinical data. Patients who had a dermatologic toxicity including petechiae, ecchymoses, hematoma or vasculitis were identified. Patients were excluded if they were receiving BTKi for graft versus host disease or an indication other than CLL or lymphoma, or if there were insufficient records. Data collection included the BTKi agent and dosing utilized, the age at onset of dermatologic toxicity, the time from initiation of BTKi therapy to the development of dermatologic toxicity, and subsequent treatments following BTKi cessation (if any). Data was compiled and descriptive statistics were obtained.Results:Patients had a median age of 73; five patients were male and two female. Diagnoses included CLL (n = 3), MCL (n = 3), and WM (n = 1). Three were treated with acalabrutinib while 4 received ibrutinib. Two patients received combination therapy with ibrutinib, one with ublituximab and one with ixazomib. The average time to onset of skin toxicity was sooner in those taking acalabrutinib (63 days) versus ibrutinib (642 days). Two of the acalabrutinib-related events were documented within 1 month of therapy initiation. Skin biopsy on one patient treated with acalabrutinib revealed vascular ectasia with non-occlusive thrombotic vasculopathy. Following development of these skin toxicities, therapy with the BTKi was discontinued in only 2 of 7 patients. Three patients were transitioned to an alternative BTKi and two were continued on therapy without modification and without further clinical deterioration.Conclusion:While dermatologic toxicity associated with use of ibrutinib and acalabrutinib has been previously described, this cohort represents, to our knowledge, the first documentation of large confluent BTKi- associated ecchymoses. While several patients in this cohort were transitioned to an alternative BTKi or to a different therapeutic class entirely at the onset of dermatologic toxicity, two continued on the implicated BTKi without alteration in therapy. As demonstrated by these varied approaches, management of BTKi therapy following development of dermatologic toxicity is not standardized, with optimal management determined on an individualized basis through discussion and joint decision making with the patient. [Display omitted] DisclosuresWilliams: Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Flowers: Venthera: Current Employment.

Senile purpura in a medically compromised patient

Senile purpura, a hemorrhagic disorder, may be caused either by functional impairment of platelets/blood vessel walls, by thrombocytopenia, or by blood clotting mechanism defects. Chronic kidney disease is a condition with decreased glomerular filtration rate. Chronic renal failure is one such disease that presents with a spectrum of oral manifestations such as uremic stomatitis, xerostomia, metallic taste, mucosal petechiae, ecchymosis, renal osteodystrophy, oral candidiasis, periodontal disease, mucosal lesions, and oral malignancies. Here, we report a case of senile purpura (ecchymosis) in an end-stage chronic kidney disease patient.

Risk scoring tool for forearm skin tears in Japanese older adults: A prospective cohort study

[Aim] Because painful skin tears frequently occur in older patients, the prevention of skin tears is fundamental to improve their quality of life. However, a risk assessment tool for skin tears has not been established yet in Japan. Therefore, we aimed to propose a risk scoring tool for skin tears in Japanese older adult. [Methods] We conducted a prospective cohort study with 6-month follow-up in two long-term care hospitals in Japan. A total of 257 inpatients were recruited. Patient and skin characteristics were collected at baseline, and the occurrence of forearm skin tears were examined during follow-up. To develop a risk scoring tool, we identified risk factors, and converted their coefficients estimated in the multiple logistic regression analysis into simplified scores. The predictive accuracy of the total score was evaluated. [Results] Of 244 participants, 29 developed forearm skin tears during the follow-up period, a cumulative incidence of 13.5%. Senile purpura, pseudoscar, contracture, and dry skin were identified as risk factors for skin tears. Their weighted scores were 6, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the total score was 0.806. At a cut-off score of 12, the sensitivity was 0.86, and the specificity was 0.67. [Conclusion] Our forearm skin tear risk scoring tool showed high accuracy, whereas specificity was low. This tool can contribute to prevent forearm skin tears in Japanese older adults.

Intense Pulsed Light as a Treatment for Senile Purpura: A Pilot Study.

Senile purpura is a common condition characterized by recurrent ecchymoses in the elderly on the extensor surfaces of the forearms, hands, and legs. Our objective is to assess the efficacy and safety of a protocol using intense pulsed light (BBL; Sciton Inc., Palo Alto, CA) to improve the appearance of senile purpura on subjects' extensor forearms. Five subjects over 65 years of age, with ecchymotic lesions measuring over 1 cm on each forearm and five younger subjects under 35 years of age, without any ecchymotic lesions, were included in the study. The subjects were treated on one randomized forearm with a new intense pulsed light protocol for four weekly sessions. Photographs and subject questionnaires were taken weekly before each treatment as well as 1 month after all treatments. Skin biopsies were taken 1 day after the last of four weekly treatments. Histological analysis, including hematoxylin and eosin, elastic van Gieson, and Masson's Trichrome staining, were carried out to assess both the epidermal thickness and dermal connective tissue structure. The protocol consists of multiple passes using an intense pulsed light (BBL; Sciton Inc.) device in which the wavelength, filter, and fluence are adjusted for each step. Step 1 uses infrared light (800-1,400 nm), high intensity, a smooth adapter, and a constant motion technique. Step 2 employs a 590-nm filter with two different fluences and step 3 utilizes a 560-nm filter. The fluence of steps 2-3 is increased by 1 J each treatment if no side effects are noted. Using a new intense pulsed light protocol in subjects with senile purpura, both the number and square area of ecchymoses on the treated arm were significantly reduced (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively, paired t test) as compared with the untreated arm at 1 month after four weekly treatments. Despite this pilot study including challenging cases of subjects on both inhaled and injected corticosteroids and blood thinners, all subjects with senile purpura had at least a 50% reduction in the total square area of their ecchymoses on their treated arm. There were no significant or long-lasting side effects, and all subjects reported satisfaction with the treatment with a desire to continue treatments on their control arm. Blinded evaluators were able to select 100% of the time in the subjects with senile purpura, which was the treated arm as compared with the control arm when reviewing photographs from 1 month after the last treatment. In addition, several subjects were noted to have a significant improvement in the appearance of hemosiderin deposition and photodamage. Histologically, intense pulsed light treatments significantly increased epidermal thickness in elderly subjects by 21.14% (P = 0.0153, two-tailed, paired t test), to levels comparable with young subjects. Such restoration is consistent with the other histological observations by blinded evaluators of more abundant and organized collagen fibers in the dermis and reduced aggregates of disorganized elastin fibers. This new intense pulsed light protocol is safe and effective in improving the clinical appearance of senile purpura as well as preventing future lesions by improving the structure of the skin by increasing epidermal thickness and improving collagen and elastic fiber morphology. The treatment was well-tolerated, adverse effects were minimal, and there was high patient satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Dermatologic Lesions in Geriatric Patient with Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: In geriatrics, there are changes in structure and function results in histopathological, physiological and clinical skin changes. The conditions can cause morbidity and decreases the quality of life of patients. This study was the first study that provide the characteristics of geriatric skin disorders in Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital Palembang.
 Methods: This study was descriptive observational with cross-sectional design using total sampling method performed among patients in Geriatric Outpatient Clinic, Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic and geriatric inpatient room in Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital on July-September 2019.
 Results: Physiological skin changes in geriatrics include xerosis cutis (13,95%), seborrheic keratosis (13,17%), guttate hypomelanosis (8,5%), senile lentigen (6,97%), freckle (2,32%), periorbital hyperpigmentation (1,55%), senile purpura (0,77%) and poikiloderma civatte (0,77%). The most skin disorder found were lichen simplex chronicus (11,1%), pressure ulcers (9,25%), senile pruritus (8,32%), asteatotic dermatitis (6.47%) and candidiasis (3,7%). The most common comorbid condition were diabetes mellitus in 16 patients (22,5%), CVD in 7 patients (9,9%), hypertension in 6 patients (8,5%), AKI in 6 patients (8,5 %), and HHD in 4 patients (5,6%). Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with xerosis cutis (p = 0,0007), senile pruritus (p = 0,015), and guttate hypomelanosis (p = 0,016).
 Conclusion: The most physiological skin changes found in geriatric patients in Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital were xerosis cutis, seborrheic keratosis, and guttate hypomelanosis, while skin disorder were lichen simplex chronicus, pressure ulcer, and senile pruritus. Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with skin disorders.

Complicated Surgical Wounds and Associated Factors in Oncology Patients.

The objective of this study was to identify the occurrence of complicated surgical wounds (CSWs) and to analyze the associated factors in hospitalized patients at an oncology institution. This was an epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study conducted in the intensive care and hospitalization units forming part of a large cancer hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from medical records and physical examinations of the skin. Associations between the dependent variable (presence of CSWs) and the independent variables were obtained by chi-square tests and odds ratio (OR) calculations with a 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression (LASSO) was used to verify the possible predictors of the outcome. The sample consisted of 341 patients, specifically individuals who are White (46.9%), married (53.4%), and men (58.1%) with an average age of 59.2 years. Complicated surgical wounds were present in 3.2% of patients, and the most frequent types of complications were dehiscence (40%), infection (26.7%), and fistula (20%) present in the abdominal (40%), cephalic (26.7%), and cervical (13.3%) regions. Senile purpura, diaper use, and infection were the clinical variables associated with the occurrence of CSWs (p = .044, p = .001, and p < .001, respectively). Based on the logistic regression, the presence of infection (p < .001; OR = 90.8; 95% CI [18.42, 538.79]) persisted as a predictor of the occurrence of CSWs. From these observations, recommendations regarding best practices for the prevention of CSWs are made, specifically for patients with cancer.

Morphological Analysis of Dermatoporosis by in vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Ultrasonography

Background: Dermatoporosis is defined as a chronic cutaneous fragility and insufficiency syndrome. It results from chronological aging, long-term and unprotected sun exposure, genetic factors, or the chronic use of topical and systemic corticosteroids. There is currently a lack of noninvasive tools for the evaluation and quantification of dermatoporosis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to define the dermal-epidermal modifications which characterize dermatoporosis using noninvasive methods such as in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and ultrasound (US). Subjects and Methods: Seventeen patients with stage I dermatoporosis and 14 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The posterior surface of the right forearm was analyzed in all subjects, and stellate pseudoscars and senile purpura in patients with dermatoporosis were analyzed when possible. We used a commercially available reflectance confocal microscope and measured different histometric parameters (thickness of the epidermis and its different layers, cellular architecture, aspect of the dermal-epidermal junction and the dermis). We also used a commercially available US skin system to define the dermal-epidermal thickness (DET) in all subjects. Results: The DET measured with the US skin system was significantly different between the two groups: mean value 1.19 mm (volunteers group) versus 0.81 mm (patient group). The significant differences measured with RCM were (1) epidermal thickness, (2) number of dermal papillae, and (3) thickness of solar elastosis. Stellate pseudoscars are also characterized by a modified dermis, with a linear organization of the collagen bundles. Conclusion: US and in vivo RCM are useful tools for the diagnosis of dermatoporosis. Dermal-epidermal atrophy, reduction of dermal papillae/area, and the thickness of dermal elastosis seem to be the major histometric parameters which characterize dermatoporosis.

Senile Purpura: Clinical Features and Related Factors.

Senile Purpura: Clinical Features and Related Factors.

Dermatoporosis: a further step to recognition.

Skin ageing has long been considered only as a cosmetic issue. However, with increasing lifespan, we experience a functional dimension of skin ageing which extends beyond cosmetics and appearance. Ten years ago, we proposed the neologism dermatoporosis to cover different characteristics of a chronic cutaneous insufficiency/fragility syndrome, to understand underlying molecular mechanisms and to develop preventative or therapeutic strategies.

Main skin diseases of the elderly

Due to the increasing life expectancy, the geriatric der­ma­tology has become more important and more common in the daily medical practice. A correct diagnosis and a proper management can reduce the morbidity and improve the quality of life. With age, the structure and functions of the skin are continuously changing. The factors which promote the aging of the skin are divided into two categories: in­trin­sical and extrinsical factors. The intrinsical factors are re­presented by the physiological processes of the aging of the skin, which are genetically determined, like wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Sun exposure, smoking, stress and other environmental factors are parts of the extrinsical group. The pathology of the elderly can be divided into four large groups: inflammatory dermatoses, skin infections, vascular pathologies and neoplasms. The main inflammatory der­ma­toses, which are most likely to be found in the elderly, are: asteatotic eczema, contact dermatitis, nummular ec­zema and drug eruptions. The skin infections which are most commonly found in older patients have various etiologies, for example bacterian (Staphylococcus aureus) fungal (Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans etc.) or viral (herpes zoster). These infections need a specific treatment, always taking into consideration the other comorbidities of the patients and the eventual drug interactions. With age, the density of the blood vessels and the cutaneous blood flow are decreasing. Due to the loss of elasticity and the impairment of the immune response, the aged skin is more susceptible to different agressions and has a delayed response to them. As a result, the most common vascular pathologies of the elderly are: senile purpura, stasis dermatitis, ulcers, bedsores and chronic venous insuf­ficiency. Of high importance are also the neoplasms of the elderly. The benign neoplasms are: solar lentigos, actinic keratoses (these two types of lesions suggest an increased sun exposure throughout the entire life and indicate a high risk of developing a malignant neoplasm), seborrheic keratoses, angiomas and fibroepithelial polyps. The most common malignant tumors found at older ages are: basal cell carcinoma, scuamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, all of them being related to increased sun exposure. In conclusion, the spectrum of pathologies of the elderly is very broad, and their treatment requires an important amount of attention, because the patients usualy associate multiple comorbidities and present a high risk of complications.

Histopathologic Findings of Cutaneous Hyperpigmentation in Addison Disease and Immunostain of the Melanocytic Population

The histopathological features of cutaneous hyperpigmentation in Addison disease have very occasionally been reported, and they include acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, focal parakeratosis, spongiosis, superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, basal melanin hyperpigmentation, and superficial dermal melanophages. We present a study on 2 biopsies from the arm and the thigh in a 77-year-old woman with a long clinical history of Addison disease as well as senile purpura and alopecia of female pattern. The patient presented diffuse hyperpigmentation of the skin, more pronounced on her face, and left upper forehead. The skin biopsies showed no remarkable dermal inflammatory infiltrate with melanocytic hyperpigmentation of the basal layer of the epidermis as well as a mild amount of melanophages in the papillary dermis. In addition, we found lipofuscin in the luminal pole of the secretory epithelium of the eccrine glands. In the perieccrine areas, there was Perls-positive pigment in the cytoplasm of macrophages most likely related to the senile purpura. An immunohistochemical study with Melan-A showed a melanocyte/keratinocyte ratio of 1:20 (5%) in the arm and of less than 1:50 (only 2 melanocytes in the whole section; <2%) in the thigh.

Bateman purpura (dermatoporosis): a localized scurvy treated by topical vitamin C - double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Bateman purpura is characterized by diffuse senile skin atrophy, senile purpura and spontaneous stellar pseudocicatrices. Cutaneous changes in the course of ageing have been related to lower levels of ascorbic acid into the dermis of elderly people. In this study, we postulate that senile purpura could be linked to dermal vitamin C deficiency and could be corrected by topical administration of this vitamin. A 12-weeks, hemi-member (forearm or leg), randomized double-blind comparative study was conducted in 18 patients with Bateman purpura aged over than 60years. At each visit, clinical assessment and biometrological measurements were performed. Clinical examination and scoring by experts showed a significant improvement on the vitamin C-treated side compared with the control, with reduction of haemorrhage areas, increase of dermal thickness. Twice-daily application of 5% topical vitamin C led to a clinically apparent improvement of the skin symptoms and allows beneficial effects on skin elasticity and thickness. Bateman purpura, a classical sign of photoaging whose origin has not clearly been recognized could be improved by vitamin C applied on to the skin. These results confirm the hypothesis of the underlying role of vitamin C deficiency in the determinism of Bateman purpura.