Any suggestions to help with blood bruising on arms?
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 so relate to how easily they happen! It’s frustrating because I try to be so careful and I simply tap something and like you said, I watch the bruise spread before my eyes.
If you shop on Amazon you might do a search for protective gloves. I found sleeves for when I garden. They cover from my wrist to upper arm. I wear them when I’m in the sun for many reasons, walking my dog, etc.
I picked some up, certainly willing to give it a try! Thanks
These comments are helpful and validating that others deal with this bruising issue. The easy tearing of the bruised areas keeps me stocked up in band aids. Right now I play a lot of golf and have tan arms which camouflages the bruises somewhat. Get a tan. LOL
It usually takes about 1 week for bruises to disappear on my arms and a little longer for ones that are a little more serious. Have you determined approximately how much sooner Boiron Arnicare reduces this time? Thanks.
I feel for you.
Like many older people I have the same problem, not as severe though. Will be visiting my grown kids who have dogs I love to play with, and have learned to take a long sleeved blouse to put over anything short sleeved.
Also, I take a small makeup tube with me anywhere, to cover up unsightly marks on my arms.
Not taking blood thinners, but supplements I’m not willing to give up. Decided to just live with it.
In your case though, I too would look for answers.
Keep on investigating!
Sorry for not being able to help!
Approximately 1/2 the time to heal
i had a hematologist do lots of tests to rule out any serious conditions. my father had the serious bruising too. I wear long sleeve bathing suits preferably with “rash guards” that cover part of my hands.
I have also found that Voltaren gel on bruises helps then heal much faster. I bruise so easily that at present my right wrist is just surrounded by bruising and is pretty unsightly. I also have Osteoarthritis, so Voltaren is helpful with that too. Just do not use it on open wounds.
I, too, bruise mainly on my forearms. It’s just awful! I can go to bed relatively clear and wake up with a new (and ugly) bruise that popped up overnight! My PC doc said the skin doesn’t really get thin, but the capillaries get closer to the surface (I think that’s how he explained it).
Anyway, he said nothing about sun exposure, but recommended Dermend. I’ve been using it for years and it seems to be the only thing that makes a difference. They’ll FINALLY fade, but they take their sweet time doing so. Of course, by the time they do fade, two more have popped up! Very frustrating.
I guess it could be worse….my legs could also be affected. So far, at age 74, the
bruising has been confined to my forearms, and my right forearm seems to be more vulnerable than my left. Every now and then, I might bruise on my hands, as well.
My dermatologist recently told me if he had the solution, he’d be a rich man!
I felt almost relieved to see this thread, I have struggled with the bruising for at least fifteen years. I turn 83 in September. Seems I'm in good company here. Nothing helps me and I have tried dozens and dozens of ointments, etc. I do not take NSAIDS but I do take a low dose aspirin daily (TIA in 2019.) have also been told my Western European DNA / thin skin is a huge factor. Bandaids certainly hide the bruises, quality gloves when doing cleaning and gardening. I had to smile at the "washing machine" comment! Happens to me more than I want to admit. Curses! I also refuse to give up stylish clothes and have discovered Westmore products. Miracle worker! Enjoy your Thursday🥰