Senile purpura bruises and treatment options

Hi @megmaine, I'd like to add my welcome to @windyshores. You may also notice I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled: Senile purpura bruises and treatment options, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hiding-old-lady-bruises/.

I did this so you could read through other members' shared experiences and meet members like @windyshores, @dmcara, @liene, @alohamelanie @notmoff @bimshire and @ellerbracke.

@megmaine, you mentioned you were on your own, were any suggestions given to you when you met with your dermatologist?

I get multiple purple spots, some of which open and bleed, when I lift things. I have not figured out whether they are from friction or if the act of lifting somehow causes them. I recently moved some containers into storage and my forearms and backs of hands were covered. I may get a few taking trash out or carrying groceries. They don't hurt so I don't do anything about them. My blood tests don't show a bleeding issue. Long sleeves are good whenever possible.

I have a lupus diagnosis and recently had very high antibodies for scleroderma, which can cause red markings in the same areas, but I don't think it is related.

Sadly, after 4 tubes and no improvement, I gave up on it.

I purchased these arms sleeves for a different purpose but they may something to consider.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TFCGWCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I hope this helps.

Dermatologist, as well as primary care doctors both recommended discontinuing any blood thinning medications or supplements…ibuprofen…fish oil, etc. but concluded this was a result of aging, over-exposed skin and there was little to be done.

Oh what a great idea…I’ve been using old knee socks stiffed with bubble wrap! Hope they can fit the shins too! Thanks for mentioning!

I just bought the Walmart roll on version…much less messy

My dermatologist recommended DerMend bruise cream. (Someone put a scientific link for it above) It is OTC (but hard to find) and there is a generic option too. It is also on Amazon and eBay. It is very effective in preventing bruises if you rub it into the skin on your forearms or anywhere you tend to bruise. Also, if a bruise is already present, rub it onto the spot to prevent it getting worse and speeding up the healing process. It is amazing! Be sure to get the tube that is maroon and white and not the blue and white tube which is just regular lotion. If you have the big dark bruises that have been with you a long time, you may have to get medical help for those.

How can a doctor recommend discontinuing blood thinners when in fact you’re taking thinners possibly to stay alive. Makes no sense to stop an important medication, and perhaps die as a result. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and skin does not define you. Can’t believe this was a recommendation by a doctor.

That’s a valid point, however, in my case as I was not on an official blood thinner, they were referring to supplements that can thin ones blood like Ibuprofen or fish oil…recommended Tylenol as alternative.