Any suggestions to help with blood bruising on arms?

Posted by anne4u @anne4u, Jun 22, 2024

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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hopeinal | @hopeinal | Mar 13 5:24pm

In reply to @robal19 "Are you on blood thinner and/or aspirin!" + (show)

No. It's my understanding that this is a common occurrence on Prednisone.

hellopam | @hellopam | Mar 14 9:24am

I take Vit C - not sure it strengthens bvs. I take Eliquis so I'm one big bruise from head to toe. There are creams to help heal the bruising and it helps. Not a silver bullet but helpful. Arnica - lots of different brands available.

hellopam | @hellopam | Mar 14 9:26am

BTW, 65 is NOT old.

clj9821 | @clj9821 | Mar 14 1:30pm

This is so hard…. I am 70, on Prednisone, Eliquis, and just started Evenity. I am a total bruiser, bleeder, and my skin tears horribly. I get looks and stares and sad smiles.. bruises, bandaids in various places. I was 100% healthy until 18 months ago and nearly lost my life and was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease.. on oxygen 24/7 and a miracle happened. All in all.. I get frustrated with what’s happening but am so darn happy to be alive. I am dealing with the outcomes of taking high doses of Prednisone for many months and .. health problems are t for the faint of heart, are they. Blessings to all.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Mar 14 2:08pm

A question:
Who among you with severe bruising and fragile skin is on hormone replacement of any kind?

johndeves | @johndeves | Mar 14 4:39pm

In reply to @maggieb892 "Isn't aging grand? So many pieces and parts begin to weaken or fail and we still..." + (show)

I thank God for each day , and always say to myself , there are so many people much worse than myself.keep going

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Mar 14 6:59pm

In reply to @johndeves "I thank God for each day , and always say to myself , there are so..." + (show)

@johndeves Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Like you, I am happy to wake up each morning. My bruising comes from age, and medicine side effects, and my cancer. I don't mind the stares; it can lead to interesting conversations.
Ginger

hellopam | @hellopam | Mar 15 7:33am

In reply to @clj9821 "This is so hard…. I am 70, on Prednisone, Eliquis, and just started Evenity. I am..." + (show)

I've been on prednisone, eliquis and others for over 6 years. Prednisone definitely thins the skin and Eliquis thins the blood. I'm just one big bruise from head to toe! I just have to look at something and I bruise! I don't like it but I do like living so my choices are limited. I was healthy as a horse for 73 years until triple pneumonia struck and it's been one thing after another. Now Dr. appts. are my social life. Ugh!
Grateful for the 73 healthy years, grateful for the 6 not so healthy years. And health problems are definitely not for the faint of heart (or spirit)!

clj9821 | @clj9821 | Mar 15 11:14am

Bless your heart~ I’ve heard it referred to as tissue paper skin. I have large tears.. I fold the skin in place and nurse it to health ;). I try to be cognizant of where my arms and legs go.. but it’s a whole new world and tears happen so fast. They bleed like crazy.. That being said .. my skin is just like my mom’s was.. and both grandmothers, too. We lacked an abundance of collagen and elastin to begin with. It’s discouraging because it happens so easy. Warm hugs to the bruisers and tearers. 💕

joybringer1 | @joybringer1 | Mar 15 11:27am

In reply to @clj9821 "Bless your heart~ I’ve heard it referred to as tissue paper skin. I have large tears....." + (show)

My PCP told me this is one of those "as we age" things. No one likes what comes after that phrase (our skin thins with age). He told me these blood spots are called senile purpura. I told that to a friend who did not like the sound of that. My PCP told me I could call them activity bruises. I get them regularly around my wrists when I bump something. I am not taking any meds that would cause these spots. I currently have one about the size of a dime on my left wrist. As soon as I bump into something, I tell my husband, "That will be a senile purpura soon." Yes, it is there. I am so sorry any of you have lots of these. I have always had thin skin and now you can almost see my blood flowing on my arms so I just ignore them. With all good wishes, @joybringer1.