Any suggestions to help with blood bruising on arms?

I've had easily-bruise skin (eccymoses) for about five years. My legs are covered with unsightly bruises and my arms are beginning to show signs as well. My doctor says thin skin and age (I'm 84) but I believe that something else is going on. Blood tests are normal. I bleed heavily from cuts or scratches. I have peripheral neuropathy and I wonder if there's a connection there. I've tried all the creams and rubs and vitamins with no success. Bathing suit season is a real embarrassment for me.

I appreciate you sharing this—what you are experiencing sounds both painful and frustrating, especially given how diligent you have been with protection and care.

While I am not a doctor, I work in the wellness field and have seen situations where people noticed improvements when their body’s repair mechanisms were better supported—particularly in areas like circulation, tissue strength, and healing.

Two approaches that others have found beneficial are:

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy – which may support healing by improving microcirculation, stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cellular energy. It’s often used to promote tissue repair and improve skin resilience.

Phototherapy patches – such as those that activate the body’s own peptides (like GHK-Cu), or raise antioxidant levels like glutathione and carnosine. These drug-free options use light to stimulate natural healing and regeneration signals in the body.

These approaches are being used more often in integrative and advanced wellness settings to complement conventional care—particularly when people are seeking additional ways to support healing and resilience.

Wishing you comfort and real answers as you move forward. If it would be helpful, I’m happy to share more privately.

@tad1304 The approaches you talked about sound interesting. Are there any restrictions on who can or can’t use the two systems? Does a patient need their doctor’s okay to participate in the programs?
Do you have a history of the 2 products? Were they approved by the FDA? Sorry to be such a downer. Anything that affects a patient’s health needs a doctor’s approval

@tad1304 The approaches you talked about sound interesting. Are there any restrictions on who can or can’t use the two systems? Does a patient need their doctor’s okay to participate in the programs?
Do you have a history of the 2 products? Were they approved by the FDA? Sorry to be such a downer. Anything that affects a patient’s health needs a doctor’s approval

Thank you for your thoughtful questions—and no need to apologize. I fully agree that anything touching health and wellness deserves careful consideration. People should always consult with and make their doctors partners in their care—whether that involves exercise, supplements, or medical technologies like the ones I mentioned.

Personally, I have discussed both modalities with my primary care physician, just as I do other aspects of my wellness plan. That said, both are considered non-prescription, over-the-counter options and do not require a doctor’s approval to access or use.

On PEMF:
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is one of the most extensively studied non-invasive modalities available. A search for “PEMF” on PubMed.gov yields more than 900 scientific publications. The FDA first cleared PEMF therapy in 1979 for nonunion bone fractures and it has since been studied across a wide range of applications. It has also been used in aerospace and elite performance settings due to its effects on circulation, healing, and cellular function.

There are many PEMF devices on the market today, but I’m only aware of:

One FDA Class 2 cleared device, meaning it has demonstrated both safety and effectiveness for specific claims, and

One FDA-registered Class 1 device, designated as low risk and intended for general wellness use.

PEMF is considered one of the safest modalities available, with no known serious adverse effects. That said, there are precautions: individuals with implanted active devices (such as pain pumps or pacemakers), or those who’ve had organ transplants and are on immunosuppressants, should not use PEMF unless cleared by a physician. It’s always best to speak with a doctor and the device manufacturer if someone is unsure.

On Phototherapy Patches:
Phototherapy, or the use of light to stimulate physiological responses, is used across many medical domains—including for newborn jaundice, certain dermatological conditions, and mood disorders. The patch system I referenced uses reflective phototherapy to stimulate the body’s own light-based communication pathways—supporting tissue repair, antioxidant activity, and more.

This system is also FDA-registered as a Class 1 device, indicating low risk. While generally safe, caution is warranted in certain situations:

Individuals with cardiovascular concerns or a history of tachycardia

Those prone to migraines

Pregnant or nursing individuals

Anyone managing chronic conditions or taking medications should consult with their physician before use

Whether it is a wellness modality, supplement, or even something as common as massage therapy, I believe in engaging healthcare professionals to make informed, safe choices.

Having run a home care agency for the elderly across multiple states, I have seen firsthand the value of collaborative care. In my current work in wellness, I only recommend tools that are science-based, well-documented, and supported by meaningful real-world results.

I hope this provides the clarity you were looking for—and I appreciate the chance to have this kind of thoughtful exchange.

I am 76 and have dealt with what you describe for many years. I am embarrassed to wear anything but long pants or skirts. My legs snd arms are terrible. Any suggestions are appreciated.

I just want to mention that if you scroll through this thread there are lots of suggestions from people experiencing blood brushing like using Arnica gel/cream, stay hydrated, lotion, sunscreen, etc.
tad1304 posted some interesting information in the last few days. There are things I do to protect my skin. I wear sleeves when I garden or do some home projects. I purchased a few of the sleeves on Amazon in different thicknesses. I use sun protection, lotion to keep my skin hydrated, aloe vera and arnica gel. Nothing has proven super helpful but it’s what I can do now to try to preserve my skin. I have permanent discoloration on my elbows from skin tears and bruising. The skin on my arms is often crepey but lotion and drinking water helps with that. My legs are scarred from cuts.
I went on a spree trying everything I could find intended to help with bruising. Nothing made a big difference, but arnica gel seems to help my bruises heal faster. I hope the efforts I’m making to take care of my skin will help in the long run. It’s already too late for the blood brushes and skin tearing.

Thank you so much. I do all that you do to keep my skin the best it can be. And yes, I have read all the comments from others. I guess our situation isn't going to change so I continue to count my blessings for what I do have going for me. My best to you and thanks again.