Any suggestions to help with blood bruising on arms?

Posted by anne4u @anne4u, Jun 22 2:16pm

I’ve developed a pretty severe problem with blood bruises on my arms.
It started about 18 months ago and hasn’t stopped with diligent healing lotions, sunscreens, bruising creams, etc.
I recently saw a dermatologist who did a biopsy with negative results. He recommended continuing my regimen of lotion and sunscreen. I was disappointed he couldn’t help me more, but maybe there isn’t more he could do? A few months ago at an annual checkup I had comprehensive blood tests done and everything looks good. I’m not taking blood thinners or anything that would cause my capillaries to break so easily.
It’s so severe that I can tap my arm on something and it leaves a mark. My dog recently (accidentally) kicked her back legs off my upper arm and tore the top layers of skin off which left bad cuts and bruising from my forearm to my shoulder. I ended up at urgent care after it became infected and then 7 days on antibiotics. It’s healing but takes so long.
I’m dedicated to putting quality lotions and creams on my arms and I wear sunscreen when outside. I purchased sleeves to wear when outside working on my yard. I try to avoid the sun whenever I can.
I spent plenty of time in the sun growing up. I loved water sports and live close to the beach. But for the past 25 years my exposure has been limited. It seems this issue came on after I stopped taking pain medications and started using ibuprofen for pain. Recently, after reading that ibuprofen can thin the blood, I switched to acetaminophen. I haven’t seen any change yet.
Just last night I pushed a chair in at a dinner table and the top of my hand tapped the underside of the table, I now have a blood bruise across the top of my right hand. It seems like every day I have a new bruise.
I feel like my life is limited to avoiding the sun and hiding my beat up arms! Summer is here and I’d love nothing more than to be able to go outside in short sleeves and enjoy the day without getting stares at my horribly bruised arms! I know this is common with old age. I’m 65 and feel like I’m too young for the severity of bruising.

Is there anything that has helped anyone with this issue? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

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I have that problem too. Mine started after being put on prednisone for too long.

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My arm bruising started when i was in mid/late 50s. 71 now. I’ve always assumed it was thinning skin from too much lovely California sun while growing up. I use DerMend, which is pricy, but it’s a lotion that helps the bruises disappear quicker. I find it works really well if I use it immediately on the bruise after getting my arm a little damp.

The best cure would be to wear leather gloves and sleeves. Gee, we could start a new look.

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Hi Anne:
I totally understand your problem. Mine is not as bad but I do get ugly red bruises from time to time. This is not a cure all but it definitely helps cover the bruises. I've been using it for years and it works on arms, legs... whatever you want to hide. After I dab it on, I seal the area with a little bit of face powder. It is waterproof and lasts a long time. A little goes a long way. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.
https://www.amazon.com/Dermablend-Cover-Creme-Coverage-Foundation/dp/B0017MWW24/ref=pd_day0fbt_consumables_d_sccl_2/133-3388321-3483433?pd_rd_w=NyUuM&content-id=amzn1.sym.23382111-a86d-49ce-ab4b-dbef30bcb407&pf_rd_p=23382111-a86d-49ce-ab4b-dbef30bcb407&pf_rd_r=N8JG49ES0E00RBXNAR8G&pd_rd_wg=9Yxvj&pd_rd_r=5bcf472a-a7d2-41bf-abdd-e832a9967435&pd_rd_i=B0017MWW24&th=1

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It might be just getting old but there are other things it could be. Talk to your doctor. But first check your body for any changes even your back, legs. A lady I used to work with daughter started bruising she had something else can’t remember the name. Good luck. I have a lot of bruising because of my meds. I try to keep my arms covered.

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Same issue here…my dermatologist recommended Amylactin lotion twice a day….I manage to use it once a day…
Put it beside my bed so I remember to use at night…I think it helps a little.

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I’ve had bruises on my arm from a heavy purse. I take ice in a towel put over bruse and usually the bruse is gone next day. Lotions are not a help, they just lubricant the skin.
Hope this helps you.

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@equanimous

Hi Anne:
I totally understand your problem. Mine is not as bad but I do get ugly red bruises from time to time. This is not a cure all but it definitely helps cover the bruises. I've been using it for years and it works on arms, legs... whatever you want to hide. After I dab it on, I seal the area with a little bit of face powder. It is waterproof and lasts a long time. A little goes a long way. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.
https://www.amazon.com/Dermablend-Cover-Creme-Coverage-Foundation/dp/B0017MWW24/ref=pd_day0fbt_consumables_d_sccl_2/133-3388321-3483433?pd_rd_w=NyUuM&content-id=amzn1.sym.23382111-a86d-49ce-ab4b-dbef30bcb407&pf_rd_p=23382111-a86d-49ce-ab4b-dbef30bcb407&pf_rd_r=N8JG49ES0E00RBXNAR8G&pd_rd_wg=9Yxvj&pd_rd_r=5bcf472a-a7d2-41bf-abdd-e832a9967435&pd_rd_i=B0017MWW24&th=1

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Dermablend is obvious. You can see it’s makeup.

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@funcountess

Dermablend is obvious. You can see it’s makeup.

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You may not be applying it properly. You dab it on and blend it. It does not show as makeup. I've been using it for years.

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@willow5

My arm bruising started when i was in mid/late 50s. 71 now. I’ve always assumed it was thinning skin from too much lovely California sun while growing up. I use DerMend, which is pricy, but it’s a lotion that helps the bruises disappear quicker. I find it works really well if I use it immediately on the bruise after getting my arm a little damp.

The best cure would be to wear leather gloves and sleeves. Gee, we could start a new look.

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I agree Willow! I know the Cali sunshine is part of it. I have purchased sleeves and they help plus protect my skin from more UVA/UVB rays. Thanks for the tip on DerMend, I’ll check it out.

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@equanimous

Hi Anne:
I totally understand your problem. Mine is not as bad but I do get ugly red bruises from time to time. This is not a cure all but it definitely helps cover the bruises. I've been using it for years and it works on arms, legs... whatever you want to hide. After I dab it on, I seal the area with a little bit of face powder. It is waterproof and lasts a long time. A little goes a long way. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.
https://www.amazon.com/Dermablend-Cover-Creme-Coverage-Foundation/dp/B0017MWW24/ref=pd_day0fbt_consumables_d_sccl_2/133-3388321-3483433?pd_rd_w=NyUuM&content-id=amzn1.sym.23382111-a86d-49ce-ab4b-dbef30bcb407&pf_rd_p=23382111-a86d-49ce-ab4b-dbef30bcb407&pf_rd_r=N8JG49ES0E00RBXNAR8G&pd_rd_wg=9Yxvj&pd_rd_r=5bcf472a-a7d2-41bf-abdd-e832a9967435&pd_rd_i=B0017MWW24&th=1

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Thanks Arlo, I’ll look into Derma Blend. I’ve tried my concealer but it’s not a good match for my arms! Good idea to dab it with powder. I think my powder will match better.

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