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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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I love the term activity bruises!!! I will use it from now on 🙂 It means we are alive. 💕 Thank you!!
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1 ReactionI researched treatments for elder skin that easily bruises. Hopefully this will help anymore who suffers from this condition. For treating skin bruises in elderly individuals, apply a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) for 15-20 minutes, elevate the bruised area, and consider over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of treatment and prevention:
Treatment:
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress (ice pack wrapped in a cloth) can help reduce swelling and pain by constricting blood vessels.
Elevation: Raising the bruised area above heart level can help reduce swelling.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen can help manage pain.
Compression: If swelling is significant, wrapping the area with a compression bandage (but not too tight) can help reduce swelling.
Rest: Rest the bruised area and protect it from further injury.
Warm Compress (After 2 days): After the initial 24-48 hours, applying a warm compress can help promote healing and reduce pain.
Vitamin C: Ensure the senior's diet includes adequate vitamin C, which plays a role in collagen production, important for skin health.
Seek Medical Advice: If bruises are unusual, severe, or don't heal properly, or if there's any concern about bleeding or other symptoms, consult a doctor.
Prevention:
Safety Measures:
Assess the senior's home for safety hazards like loose rugs, clutter, and tripping hazards.
Assist with Activities:
Provide assistance with activities that could put the skin at risk, such as walking or transferring.
Protective Clothing:
Encourage wearing long sleeves and pants when doing activities that could cause skin injury, such as gardening.
Skin Care:
Use gentle moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated and help prevent skin tears.
Sun Protection:
Protect the skin from sun damage, which can lead to thinning and increased bruising.
Medication Review:
Review medications with the doctor, as some medications can increase bruising risk.
Smoking Cessation:
Encourage smoking cessation, as smoking reduces collagen production, which can lead to easier bruising. My doctor recommended Arnica which helpsmy bruising clear up twice as fast when I apply the gel 2-4 times daily. Hope this helps.
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8 ReactionsI had the Watchmen implant and no longer on blood thinners. Check it out and ask your doctor.
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1 ReactionVersed lotion and long sleeved clothing and long pants has really helped my husband reduce his bruising and how long it takes him to heal.
He also uses name brand hydrocoidal bandages when he had skin tears and they allow for better healing with less scaring. He’s discovered the store brands (CVS) aren’t nearly as good and get gummy. He also buys paper tape and the tape that sticks to itself instead of your skin which we also get used on us when we have lab work done.
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2 ReactionsMy spouse has to take asprin. A gift from Covid. I can only clean him up and place a good bandage or guaze. I have 2 first aid kits. One in the car and another in the house. I take both of them when we go on a trip. He falls easily and I know what to do for his skin. He is not a good candidate for a watchman. He has two many conditions related to his Parkinsons and some just with age.
I have found the same issue with CVS hydrocoidal bandages and had to throw them all out.