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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gloriarubac | @gloriarubac | 3 days ago

Where do you find and buy this oil?

jodyarose | @jodyarose | 2 days ago

In reply to @gloriarubac "Where do you find and buy this oil?" + (show)

@gloriarubac I ordered Helichrysum on the internet. I ordered a small bottle with a roll-on top, which I find less messy and easier to apply than drops of oils. I hope it's OK with the Moderator if I mention that I ordered mine from Vitality Extracts, which specializes in Aryuvedic remedies but it may be available from other sources, as well.

1995victoria | @1995victoria | 2 days ago

Vitamin K and C.........spinach, oranges, etc

pejeffrey1947 | @pejeffrey1947 | 1 day ago

Hi, I'm having same problem, including a dog scratch infection 😢. Told by my GP & Dermatologist that since I have a very fair complexion and am 78 it's common to now have very thin skin. I was previously put on baby asprin due to stroke issues and told to stop asprin as well as fish oil. I don't take fish oil but due eat mostly fish so I've cut back. I wear long sleeves and garden gloves around dogs. Maybe wearing the arm protectors during the day will help.

anne4u | @anne4u | 1 day ago

In reply to @pejeffrey1947 "Hi, I'm having same problem, including a dog scratch infection 😢. Told by my GP &..." + (show)

@pejeffrey1947 I use arm protectors and they do help. I found several on Amazon and have a thick pair that I use when working in the yard. My dog is pretty active, especially when I come home she jumps up so it’s been a challenge to keep her at bay! I grab her front paws and direct them away, along with trying to keep her from jumping in the first place! I get steroid injections in my lower back each month. I noticed after missing an injection my arms started clearing up. I went the middle of November for an injection and by the time I went back in January (this month) my arms were looking pretty good. So if the injections are contributing to my skin issues, do I discontinue my injections or continue with my beat up arms? That is the question I’m considering now! All the best to you finding what helps!

pejeffrey1947 | @pejeffrey1947 | 23 hours ago

In reply to @anne4u "@pejeffrey1947 I use arm protectors and they do help. I found several on Amazon and have..." + (show)

@anne4u I appreciate your comments. I get steroid shots in my shoulder Never linked that with the bruising. But Id rather have less pain than a bruise. Like a car with a lot of miles. A nick on the fender compared to a flat tire