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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anne4u | @anne4u | 4 days ago

In reply to @tsch "Have you discussed this with your primary care physician? There are diseases that can cause bruising." + (show)

I certainly discussed this with my primary. She referred me to a dermatologist who said it’s simply aging skin. He recommended Arnica cream/gel. Also keeping my skin hydrated. Noting seems to help prevent the bruising. Arnica aids in healing faster than without it!

mari | @mari | 4 days ago

In reply to @jillb329 "I've stopped using ibupropin and started taking vitamin C. I also use arnica oil. Is anyone..." + (show)

does vitamin C. and arnica oil. improve purple spots?

mari | @mari | 4 days ago

When I bump arms, I rub area quickly. and often and/ or ice.
Must less noticeable

tsch | @tsch | 4 days ago

In reply to @anne4u "I certainly discussed this with my primary. She referred me to a dermatologist who said it’s..." + (show)

You are pretty young for the bruising you have, but if you feel you have had good medical advice, fine. If I were you I would look beyond a dermatologist for your symptoms. Are the causes purely superficial (so you treat with creams) or are they not?

hraka13 | @hraka13 | 4 days ago

In reply to @anne4u "I certainly discussed this with my primary. She referred me to a dermatologist who said it’s..." + (show)

I suggest seeing a hematologist. Is that something you can do?

anne4u | @anne4u | 3 days ago

In reply to @tsch "You are pretty young for the bruising you have, but if you feel you have had..." + (show)

I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “are the causes purely superficial”. I bump against something and I end up with a bruise. My skin also tears easily. I have found that Arnica gel helps heal faster but nothing otc that I’ve tried helps prevent bruising. I fall into the same category as many people that have this issue with bruising. Especially after starting this topic, I know I’m not alone! I spent a lot of time in the sun when I was younger and my skin is thin. My mom had this problem and her mom had it too. They were older when it started but they didn’t have the sun exposure I did over the years. I do trust my primary completely. She has no qualms about referring me if she thinks it’s necessary. Thanks for your concern!

anne4u | @anne4u | 3 days ago

In reply to @hraka13 "I suggest seeing a hematologist. Is that something you can do?" + (show)

I’ve thought about seeing a hematologist. I’ll talk to my primary, she’s excellent and will refer me to a good hematologist if necessary. Thanks for the suggestion!