FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

A patient presents with purple patches on his forearms that fade over time. What is the likely condition?

1. Actinic keratosis

2. Pseudoscars

3. Actinic purpura

4. Cherry angiomas

The correct answer is: Actinic purpura

The condition described in the scenario—purple patches on the forearms that fade over time—is indicative of actinic purpura. This condition arises from the fragility of blood vessels that occurs with aging and sun damage, leading to these purple patches, often seen in sun-exposed areas like the forearms. Actinic purpura typically presents as flat, purple or reddish-brown spots that may resemble bruises but do not involve trauma. Over time, these spots may fade or change color, consistent with the patient's presentation. It is more common in older adults, particularly those who have had significant sun exposure over their lifetime. In contrast, actinic keratosis consists of rough, scaly patches on sun-damaged skin but does not present as purplish discoloration. Pseudoscars are not a known dermatological term for this pattern of discoloration, and cherry angiomas are benign vascular lesions that present as red or purple spots but do not fade over time like the patches of actinic purpura. Therefore, actinic purpura is the condition that aligns with the characteristics noted in the patient's symptoms.