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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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@paulabj Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Yep, having chronic medical conditions, and some medications, all contribute to the bruising. My oncologist and nephrologist both agree my bruising is a combined effort from CKD [I am on dialysis], meds, and my cancer treatment. Wearing lightweight long sleeves when it is 100 degrees outside is difficult. The other day I just said. "heck with it" and wore sleeveless shirt. And ignored the stares...
If you haven't already, take a look at the kidney and bladder support group for a lot of conversations. I am a volunteer mentor there, and can help if you have any questions? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-conditions/
Ginger
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4 ReactionsPlease let us know how it works.
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2 ReactionsDrats. . The blood thinner doubles the problem. I bought a couple of linen long sleeve blouses that i wear unbuttoned over a tank top. Cool enough and hides my arms.
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2 ReactionsThe linen jacket is a great idea!! I may copy you! 😄
My right arm has the bruises. When I bump into something, I can know with certainty that it will be followed by a bruise. I do many of the strategies that you do - long sleeve shirts when gardening and going out with friends.
Itched my self once and a pattern appeared.
Primary Care Dr. never fails to comment " oh what happened to you" No clue.
Left arm not involved.
I think this is something that i just need to accept and use common scene to cut down on the bruises -pick activities using that arm wisely, long sleeve shirts, etc,
It's an irritating and embarrassing condition, but it is what it is. Take care.
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6 ReactionsHave you had low iron : anemia?
I can’t imagine your drs not at least asking about your labs🧪 🥼when you asked about your bruises.
Hopefully you don’t have any of the other symptoms of anemia. Probably not or it would have been mentioned.
How were you able to verify it isn’t the kidneys, if you don’t mind my asking? I would agree but I’m curious how you knew it’s not the kidneys.
Pardon me for anatomical ignorance. I’m the only person who I know who is not a former nurse 🩺, yay nurses!
The kidneys are pretty closely tied to the hemoglobin and anemia problems, in some cases.
I hope you have checked it out.
I can recommend a Portuguese topical cream I use in addition to eating more foods like quinoa and spinach.
Definitely good you switched to Tylenol. 👍
From my experience only, of course.
Oh and the topical gel is available through EBay, called Hirudoid.
But you want to continue to investigate that. I agree with you. We have about 10 years before the prolific skin bruises and vein stuff.
Medications definitely 👍 make some of us sensitive to any sun exposure. I hate it because my anemia already makes me pale and bruised.
Hopefully that was ruled out for you. Probably because you would be complaining about fatigue.
Hang in there! Baby Boomer Years are here still! We are in good company 👍.
*Next time I will remember to read the whole thread first before posting. 👌
I’m a bit anatomically challenged at times. Please don’t think I’m correcting anyone!
Thanks 🙏🤗🙏
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4 Reactions@gingerw you are still here offering kind words of support and suggestions! 🥳👯👯♀️
You were so helpful when I was on here a couple of years ago. Probably a couple of years before that. 🙂
So great to see your work ongoing!
Thanks for all you do!
🤗🌸❤️
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4 ReactionsHello -
Is the Hirudoid a prescription product in the US? I googled and it kind of appears that way. I have some friends in Portugal right now and may ask them to bring me some!
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3 Reactions@laurie6 Awww, thank you for the kind words! I am so grateful for the community here! You all have been here for me when guidance was/is needed. I am always so impressed with what we do as a group, cheering each other on, offering experiences and sharing what we can in a supportive way. Isn't it great?!
By the way, how are you doing?
Ginger
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4 ReactionsHi Laurie, I did get very comprehensive blood work done a few months ago. Everything looks good.
I do have pretty regular bouts of fatigue but I know it’s from Fibromyalgia. I usually get pain that accompanies it. I’ve had Fibromyalgia for 21 years and although I’ve made improvements with mobility and pain, I still get flares of symptoms. I’m checked for other things on a yearly basis. My doctor is very thorough with bloodwork because I tend to attribute most discomfort to fibro. I was also referred to a dermatologist who did a biopsy, nothing found.
I haven’t changed any meds however I did lose quite a bit of weight last year. I cut sugar out of my diet, soda, etc. and I lost 20 lbs. I just thought about that last night. I wonder if having less fat on my arms caused my capillaries to be closer to the surface of my skin?
I’ve posted a photo from about 6 weeks ago. This is a pic of how bad it gets on my arms. They are mostly cleared up now but I have a few new bruises too. You can see why I don’t want to wear short sleeves!
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6 Reactions