The Effect of Nutritional Supplementation on Actinic Purpura: A Pilot Study
Purpura is a macule or papule of blood in the skin. It is mostly seen in mature skin that is often prone to significant bruising. Small lesions of less than 5 mm are called petechiae and larger ones, found mostly in subcutaneous tissue, are called ecchymosis. Actinic purpura occurs almost exclusively in elderly populations. This single-blind randomized clinical trial evaluates the effect of an 8-week nutritional supplement intervention in comparison with isolated vitamin C supplements on actinic purpura in older adults. We will enroll thirty (30) otherwise healthy participants, both male and female, aged 55 years and older. Changes in participants' skin condition will be assessed at visit 1 (baseline), visit 2 (4-week), and visit 3 (8-week) using questionnaires, standard digital photography, and clinical grading of the skin lesions.
• Male or female individuals aged ≥ 55 years old.
• Self-reported having actinic purpura lesions at the time of enrollment or a history of actinic purpura lesions.
• Self-reported not using prescription or over-the-counter products that contain aluminum, iron, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and/or topical retinol (used locally in areas of bruising).
• If on a chronic medication that does not result in exclusion, participant must self-report being on a stable dose for the last 3 months prior to the start of the trial.
• Able and willing to read and voluntarily sign the study Informed Consent Form (ICF).
• Able and willing to comply with study protocol and all study-related guidelines.
• Not concomitantly participating in a study involving nutritional products.