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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@anne4u

I had the same thing happen with bandaids Ginger. I learned the hard way by putting a bandage on a cut on my forearm and when I took it off it tore the skin off my arm. Made a minor cut much worse! I do the same thing you do with
gauze. I also found lubricated bandages that don’t stick unless left on too long so they dry out. I wrap an ace bandage over them. A doctor at an urgent care used one on an infected wound on my upper arm and presto, another aid in my arsenal for bruise and wound care!

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@anne4u I buy 2"x3" sterile non-stick pads. They can be cut down if needed. A bit of the antibiotic ointment or Vitamin E cream right onto that. Then whatever I am using on my wound. Tape down two or three edges of the bandage with cloth tape. Voila!

My latest week old incident is finally looking good. I keep it open to the air all day, covering it at night so it won't weep onto bedclothes.
Ginger

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I think you need to se a hematologist.

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@donnajones

I think you need to se a hematologist.

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@donnajones Are you replying to a particular post or member? If so, clicking on the "reply" button will let us see the post you are referring to. Also, by using the @ symbol plus member's handle will let them see someone is replying to their post. Just a helpful hint!
Ginger

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@woondogger

Yes it is here in the US. I order from Amazon. It is an amazing cover-up for bruises and any other issues with arm, hand and leg discoloration. Westmore is the name, not inexpensive but worth every penny. It stays put. Removed with baby oil is what I do. Until you remove it, it's there. I use the Body Coverage Perfector. My legs have a bit of discoloration: scarring from injuries and skin biopsies.

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Wow - I'm so glad I stumbled on this thread. My once pretty legs are marred with bruises, spider veins, etc. So I just bought the DerMend (from Walmart.com since it was cheaper than Amazon), and now I'll try the Westmore. Thanks!

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@jillsy

Wow - I'm so glad I stumbled on this thread. My once pretty legs are marred with bruises, spider veins, etc. So I just bought the DerMend (from Walmart.com since it was cheaper than Amazon), and now I'll try the Westmore. Thanks!

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Your legs sound very much like mine!!! Enjoy your Sunday.

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@gingerw

@donnajones Are you replying to a particular post or member? If so, clicking on the "reply" button will let us see the post you are referring to. Also, by using the @ symbol plus member's handle will let them see someone is replying to their post. Just a helpful hint!
Ginger

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Yes just trying to reply to the post I’m front of my reply. I guess I’m still doing something wrong.

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@donnajones

Yes just trying to reply to the post I’m front of my reply. I guess I’m still doing something wrong.

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Am laughing. No idea where a response of mine went.
And that even after someone told me how and where to respond. Must be getting old here.
You are not alone!

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@woondogger

Your legs sound very much like mine!!! Enjoy your Sunday.

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My legs, as well. My Dr. told me that it was "fragile capillaries". Sounds like a good enough answer to me!!

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I was able to convince my dermatologist to give me a script for Altrena - a micronized Tretinoin in a hydrating base. It should thicken skin on forearm and back of hands.
Pricey so I will be our trial balloon.

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I was able to convince my dermatologist to give me a script for Altrena - a micronized Tretinoin in a hydrating base… for my forearms and dorsal hand surface. It should thicken skin there and help protect from minor bumps and bangs.
Pricey so I will be our trial balloon. I have a 3 month supply so we shall see.

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