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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 | @anne4u | Aug 21 9:09pm

I certainly understand prioritizing pain over bruising! I switched from ibuprofen to acetaminophen for the blood thinning that anti inflammatory medications can cause. However, back problems I have need inflammation relief so I only take the prescription I have for inflammation as needed. It seems to be working for me. I’ve been hit by several things this past year that are all age related changes our bodies go through. Hair loss, and I’m talking about clumps falling out in the shower! These bruises on my arms and hands.
And other things I’ll spare you of! All outward things that have had an impact on my self esteem. Nothing I won’t get through but troublesome in the moment. This website is a good place to share and ask these questions!

REPLY
11moondog11 | @11moondog11 | Aug 22 12:10am

It's simply age combined with sun exposure. Nothing will eliminate the bruising. I've gone thru multiple Dermatologists and varied health specialists. Mine started around age 65 and progressively got worse. Am now 71. Can blow, it seems on my skin and I get purple ugly marks.
Same as you also where my skin tears easily.
Truly sucks!!!

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1 reply
arkiegrandma | @arkiegrandma | Aug 22 7:07am

I have same problem. I have received some help by brushing my arms with a DRY SOFT BATH BRUSH.

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woondogger | @woondogger | Aug 22 8:06am
In reply to @artscaping "Good morning @anne4u and everyone else who has been dealing with "blood bruising" on arms. I..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good morning @anne4u and everyone else who has been dealing with "blood bruising" on arms. I have read all of your helpful colleagues' responses. My therapist has noticed and verified a rather sudden increase in my "bruising". We reviewed my medications and noticed that the increase in the "bruises" began when I started taking Ibuprofen for my SFN (small fiber neuropathy). At my age, 82, I think the ibuprofen just might be more important than clear skin. Mine are predominantly on my arms, hands, and legs below my knees.

May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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I had a TIA five years ago and take a low dose aspirin daily. This certainly contributes to the way my hands and lower arms bruise so easily .. lower legs as well. Cheers to the 82 year old ladies ~ I turn 83 next month. I love the message in your closing line, Chris.

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willow5 | @willow5 | Aug 22 9:29am
In reply to @curvedspine "I use a drop of Helichrysum oil and it breaks down the blood in the bruise..." + (show)
@curvedspine

I use a drop of Helichrysum oil and it breaks down the blood in the bruise and it fades.

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There are so many types of the Helichrysum oil - talk of diluting it with anothe oil, etc. would anyone be willing to share a picture of the type you use? My Dermend works but if something works quicker that would be very helpful.

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westcom | @westcom | Aug 23 6:31am
In reply to @curvedspine "Helichrysum oil - put a drop on the bruise as soon as you can and it..." + (show)
@curvedspine

Helichrysum oil - put a drop on the bruise as soon as you can and it definitely helps your body re-absorb the blood. It may take 2 days but much better than having it for a week or more.

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Where do you buy the Helichrysum oil ?

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sue417 | @sue417 | Aug 23 7:01pm
In reply to @donnajones "I also have this problem. I did honor Amazon and purchase the sleeves to wear when..." + (show)
@donnajones

I also have this problem. I did honor Amazon and purchase the sleeves to wear when I am outside or inside working. I also just purchased a new lotion one of my patients swears by called Biocel. I will let you know if it works just arrived yesterday. Her arms
Looked great and she said hers looked like mine before starting.

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Hi
How's it going with the new cream? My arms ate a mess again. I find it's worse in summer mths

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sue417 | @sue417 | Aug 23 7:03pm
In reply to @11moondog11 "It's simply age combined with sun exposure. Nothing will eliminate the bruising. I've gone thru multiple..." + (show)
@11moondog11

It's simply age combined with sun exposure. Nothing will eliminate the bruising. I've gone thru multiple Dermatologists and varied health specialists. Mine started around age 65 and progressively got worse. Am now 71. Can blow, it seems on my skin and I get purple ugly marks.
Same as you also where my skin tears easily.
Truly sucks!!!

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Hi
It does suck. Mine started at 64 . Now 66. It just feels like a daily reminder on getting a older.

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1 reply
11moondog11 | @11moondog11 | Aug 23 7:11pm
In reply to @sue417 "Hi It does suck. Mine started at 64 . Now 66. It just feels like a..." + (show)
@sue417

Hi
It does suck. Mine started at 64 . Now 66. It just feels like a daily reminder on getting a older.

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Haha Isn't that the truth! Last thing I need is reminded how... let's say, fine aged I am! Great if I were a wine!!!

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