Skin changes with prednisone

Posted by shesnuts @shesnuts, Oct 18, 2022

I had always had great skin, but on 60 g of prednisone. I am experiencing a lot of sagging and thinning of my skin, particularly in my upper arms. I also have extreme bruising whenever anything, touches my forearm or my legs. I also have a lot of capillaries breaking in my legs and face now will this change when I get off of prednisone or lower my dose ? I am still not pain-free. Every step reminds me that I have this disease.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

@suetex

The best arm protection I have found is cutting the feet out of support hose and sliding them over my arms. They are thicker and stay in plce better than the sleeves you can buy for protection. You can get them in many colors and designs also. I used them during the hot summer, leaving my shoulders bare with a skimpy top and was quite comfortable. Now that it is cooler, I just count it as another layer.

Jump to this post

I have made sleeves because of the bleeding The worst is when you keep bumping and it bleeds again and can't heal. The pic of my arm is using the sleeve.

REPLY
@shesnuts

Pics of skin changes with Polymyalgia

Jump to this post

I'm glad to see that I am not the only one that if I slightly bump against something I get the bruise. It's so unsightly and takes so long to get rid of, at least for me 2 months. Paper thin skin.

REPLY

Speaking of skin, has anyone experienced a rash that won’t go away? I thought it was plant- related because I was clearing some vines, but I know it’s not as my hands aren’t affected but face is.
Can’t take Benadryl as I have pre-glaucoma.

REPLY
@shesnuts

I have made sleeves because of the bleeding The worst is when you keep bumping and it bleeds again and can't heal. The pic of my arm is using the sleeve.

Jump to this post

What did you make your sleeves out of?

REPLY
@shesnuts

Pics of skin changes with Polymyalgia

Jump to this post

My arms looked like that for several years on the higher prednisone doses. Now that I am on 5 mg the situation is much improved!

REPLY
@cakers22

What did you make your sleeves out of?

Jump to this post

Welcome cakers22 to this support group!
What dose of prednisone are you currently on?
The bruising tendency of thin skin does get better as your dose of prednisone goes down!
Good luck on your journey. ❤️

REPLY
@linda7

My arms looked like that for several years on the higher prednisone doses. Now that I am on 5 mg the situation is much improved!

Jump to this post

Thanks for you post it gives me hope. Currently at 10mg plus Actemra for CGA. and on a prednisone 1mg per week taper. My arms and legs are bruised and slow to heal. This journey is a challenge.

REPLY
@cherylmd903

I'm glad to see that I am not the only one that if I slightly bump against something I get the bruise. It's so unsightly and takes so long to get rid of, at least for me 2 months. Paper thin skin.

Jump to this post

@cherylmd903
It will get better as your prednisone dose goes down. I know it’s a hard journey but you will get there.

REPLY
@ddmo

i too have had the same sensitivity. U have to be sooooo careful what touches you or if u scrape anything. It's a new lifestyle change... I started on 50mg a yr ago and now down to 5. It's a roller coaster so fasten your seat belt... As much as I hate this "ride", I will not let it win. Con't to listen to your doctor and u will get thru this. Do you take Tylenol arthritis also? that helps me.

D

Jump to this post

I am on 15 mg of Prednisone- 10 in the am & 5 in pm. I wonder if it is okay to take Tylenol Arthritis with it, on days that I feel more discomfort?

REPLY
@shesnuts

I have made sleeves because of the bleeding The worst is when you keep bumping and it bleeds again and can't heal. The pic of my arm is using the sleeve.

Jump to this post

Have been thinking about making some arm covers myself, every time I try to do some gardening, i tear the skin on my arms, it is tissue thin since being on Pred for 12 months. Hope it's reversible like the hair loss ??

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.