THINING SKIN AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

[Norken]

I have extremely thin skin since my transplant 17 months ago. I am still on high dosages of cellcept due to rejection issues. My arms, in particular, bruise very easily. Just scratching my arms will leave red marks that take weeks to disappear. I use Cera Ve moisturizer 2x a day and Eucerin Moisturizer with SPF 30 when I go outside. Does anyone have any advice to make my skin more durable?

[LavenderRabbit]

Are you taking prednisone? The symptoms you are describing come from prednisone. At least it is for me.

Unfortunately there’s really nothing you can do about it. I’m on 5 mg of prednisone, and have been for sometime. It’s a side effect I’ve just learned to live with.If I’m going to be gardening or anything that I think might scratch at my arms, I wear long sleeves.

[Norken in reply to LavenderRabbit]

Hi Lavender. Thank you for responding. I've been taking large dosages of prednisone for the last year due to rejection complications along with a slew of IVIG, Solumedrol, plasmapheresis and thymogobulin treatments (rejection has finally be conquered!). I have tapered down to 5mg of prednisone too. My dermatologist said to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize (which I have been doing) along with sunblock, long sleeves, etc. I just hate looking at my arms. Just a simple scratch to an itch will bruise my arms and they are all red and blotchy. I was just hoping someone had a trick up their sleeve to overcome the thinning skin. Well, if this is the worst of my problems, I am far ahead of the game. Right. Forever thankful for my blessing! 🙏 Have a great day!

[sfdole in reply to Norken]

Hi Noreen and Lavender. I have the same problem, too, and take 5 mg of prednisone. One's skin tends to get thinner with age (I am 80 years old) so this further complicates the problem. My dermatologist recommended DerMend. They make 2 moisturizing creams--one for bruises and one for thin, fragile skin. I use both and they have helped somewhat. I garden, too, and wear long sleeves as well as long gloves.

[LavenderRabbit]

Sounds like you have a little more problems with the thin skin than me. But you’re right about “if that’s the worst of your problems”. For me it’s the thinning hair.

[Balap]

Solumedrol is a high dose steroid 500mg x 3 times

Few months after taking Solumedrol, you skin and bones will get better

[Norken]

Hi Balap: You just put a smile on my face. Knowing my skin has a chance of getting better is wonderful. Thank you for replying! Have a wonderful day. 😀

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Your skin will get better with time. Once your prednisone is reduced, you will start to see changes for the better. In the meantime you are doing the right thing with moisturizing your skin. Sorry, there is no magic cure. Also, as we age our skin changes, so using moisture rich cream daily is a good habit to get into.Good luck.

[Hidden]

Try something with collagen in it. Don't use hydrocortisone, because it thins skin. It will get better as your meds are reduced. Just writing from experience.