Bruising on the back of the hands and arms is common. Dermatologists call it "Bateman's purpura". These flat blotches start out red, then turn purple, darken a bit further and eventually fade. They differ from normal bruises in several ways. First, usually there wasn't much of a knock or injury to cause them. Second, the are not tender. Finally, they last longer than normal bruises, often a few weeks.

They usually occur on the back of the hands and the forearms. The skin is sun-damaged, thin and wrinkly, almost flimsy looking. Mostly seen in older individuals,  Bateman's purpura is due to the weakened state of blood vessel walls from many years of sun exposure.  Blood thinners, including Aspirin, coumadin, alcohol and vitamin E all may worsen the condition. Steroids, either  as a cream, pill or inhaled for lung disease, can bring the condition on.

Cosmetics can be used to camouflage the lesions. Dermablend cosmetics are recommended for dermatologic conditions, such as Bateman's purpura. Dermablend can be bought at Department stores. Covermark Cosmetics are also excellent at covering this condition.  Vitamin K cream applied to the skin daily has been said to improve this condition, but I have not been impressed.  Daily application of alpha-hydroxy acid cream, or Retin-A prescription cream will increase skin thickness and may help. For women, the hormone progesterone in lotion will help even more.