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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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Mine is from taking baby aspirin every day.
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2 ReactionsWestmore Beauty Body coverage ( which I combine with a bit of moisturizer ) to 'thin it' a bit.
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3 ReactionsI checked it out online. I’m interested, it’s just getting the right shade. Rather than buy and return, I’m hoping it’s available at Ulta. I’ll look further when I run out of what I’m currently using. Thanks for the tip!
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1 ReactionI feel what you’re going through! I get back injections every month for my back. Steroids! I’ve asked a couple doctors if my bruises could be from the injections and was told probably not because the injections are isolated to my back.
I don’t believe that! I think the injections have a lot to do with my bruising. The bruises started not long after I started the injections. I’m so tired of being in pain I’m getting a MRI to see if anything can be done to help my back pain. I started out saying the last thing I would do is surgery. But after a few years of progressively worsening pain, I’m ready to do anything if it will help. I can’t handle living like this. My fibromyalgia pain is bad enough! But my back pain has taken over my life. I’m supposed to be packing to move, but not much is getting done! My arms get bad with multiple brushes I have no idea where they came from, and I don’t like people staring at my arms either!
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1 ReactionHi
I am so sorry that you are in such severe pain. What is causing your back pain. I just had some more compression fractures happen in April and I am getting laser treatments at my chiropractor with muscle release therapy and it's really helped I can't believe the difference. I hope you get some relief soon
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2 ReactionsI'm on blood pressure meds and think they contribute also. Anything that effects the blood can cause excessive and prolonged bruising.
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1 ReactionThanks for the kind words! I’m glad to hear your treatment is helping your back problems. I’ve got several things going on with my back. Bulging disks, degenerative disk disease, pinched nerves, bone spurs, facet arthropathy, scoliosis, osteoarthritis… the list goes on. My neck is in about the same condition but I’m fortunate it’s not causing pain. I’ve got a MRI coming up in August and we’ll know more then. I hope you continue to improve!
Thanks so much for the tip on Westmore. Now I’m wondering what moisturizer you like! Also, which arnica cream did you use? Costco has a new product called Skintensive Arnica Bruise Cream, 2-piece Set.
I’ve been on oral steroids for 21 years and my skin is paper thin. Regular lotion causes too much friction. I’m still looking for a better alternative. I appreciate any tips.
Hello there! I use the Arnicare Bruise Gel whenever I scrape, bump and know immediately I am going to "blood bruise" ... our local pharmacy carries it. The manufacturer's name is Boiron. As far moisturizer, I confess to using whatever I happen to have on hand. CeraVe makes a great moisturizer, but I'm not consistent when it comes to brand. Next time I am in Costco, going to pick up the Skintensive, thanks for sharing.