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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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@willow5 I just got the biggest bottle for the best price on Amazon. ($20 for 8 Oz). I seriously don’t think there’s a difference with any brand. So far, it’s not magic, but it’s improved. I’ll take what I can get!😄
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1 Reaction@berhs I’ve been using Arnica gel on my arms which are really bad with bruises and skin tears. I buy it on Amazon, it’s called DuLac Arnica Gel 98%. It helps my bruises heal faster than just lotion or several other products I’ve tried. Might be worth checking out! I hate the bruising too. I am getting more used to them and not as self conscious. I just tap something and I get a bruise, and/or skin tears. All the best to you! You’re definitely not alone!
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3 Reactions@berhs
I have been on Prednisone for many years - and suddenly these purple bruises appear - as if by magic. They don't hurt - but look terrible. I have found that Arnica cream (no I don't have any affiliation with this company) is extremely helpful. I used to use DerMend (also has Arnica in it). It works well. The one I am currently using is Arnicare Bruise Cream (less expensive and works very quickly). It speeds up the healing. These are not "black and blue" from constant injuries. Nothing to do for the verry thin skin - but can look into collagen supplements which could be helpful.
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5 Reactions@pht1123 Thanks! If you do start collagen, please let us know how it goes. I know that right now, the pricing on OTC bruise remedies is getting ridiculous. $30 for a tube of Dermend is a bit much! I kind of expect some magic for that price. Maybe collagen would be less pricy? (She says, hopefully….😁)
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1 ReactionWhen I bought my creams on Amazon - the Dermend was about $20. However, the Arnicare was about $8 and really did work. I don't know about the collagen - it is expensive and I have not used it myself. It may or may not change the bruising - it was just a thought. Good luck.
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1 Reaction@anne4u
I just want to add, it’s not a good idea to apply arnica to open wounds. I’m careful when I have cuts or avoid arnica all together. Sometimes I can go around the cut.
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1 ReactionThank you, Anne4u. I only would put it on a closed wound.
Yes, know what this is like. Also, have problems with circulation through my legs, and sometimes they are more than blotchy, they’re solid red ! Doctor doesn’t seem to think there is anything to do about it. I haven’t mentioned it to my heart doctor. It doesn’t bother me enough to get something started there ! 🤪
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1 ReactionI have a huge problem with this. Even the slightest brush causes bruising.
I recently bought a Bee Venum cream and used it for a week and the results have been amazing. The bruise cleared up in less than a week. There are quite a few brands available on line with essentially the same ingredients.
I would absolutely give it a try
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3 ReactionsI have exactly the same problem and have tried 10 or 12 bruise creams. Nothing works. What is the Bee Venum cream?