skin bruising from prednisone

[EricaTO]

I am on 5mg/daily prednisone after my kidney transplant 4 years ago, in addition to tacrolimus and mycophenolate. The prednisone causes my skin to thin so much that the slightest touch creates a nasty purple bruise. I use a high percentage arnica cream which helps heal slightly faster (in about a week). Does anyone else have better solutions? I have read that collagen supplements are not particularly effective, but welcome your thoughts and experience.

[twicerecipient]

Know Prednisone well. In late 1980s immunsupressonant drug of choice where I live. very happy when replacement meds found. Never had issues your describing. But started blood thinner in 2020 and it has caused same symptoms you've described. Do you take a blood thinner?

[EricaTO in reply to twicerecipient]

I don’t take blood thinner but I am old, so that doesn’t help!

[twicerecipient in reply to EricaTO]

Me too

[Transplant314]

I do not take prednisone. I am on Tacrolimus and Mycophenelate and I bruise like a peach. If I bump into something or scrape my skin without breaking the skin I get purple bruises. Sorry no answer on what works to heal the bruises.

[EricaTO in reply to Transplant314]

Interesting. I take those as well so they be contributing to the problem. I was told it was the prednisone but maybe not completely!

[Ynnep]

Hi, I have the same issues. I've tried various creams and lotions with no success. I hope someone will respond with a solution.

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

have you asked your doctor? If not, I would ask your doctor immediately because it sounds like you might not have enough platelets however I am not a doctor. Also keep in mind that just age make sure skin thinner and bruise easier. I had that even before my transplant and I was on these drugs, but I would definitely ask your doctor if there is something going on because if I were Dr I would order a CBC and a PTT to check clotting time. Then again a doctor might tell you that these drugs do cause easy bruising so I really do think this might be a question for a doctor however, if a doctor has told you, this is a side effect well, some side effects you just have to accept.. unfortunately side effects are the price we pay for having to transplant. I wish you well.

[Jepsos]

Have you had your Iron levels checked recently? Low Iron and/or low Hemoglobin will cause excessive bruising.

It is always best to call your doctor (PCP) to make sure everything is ok.

I have major issues with bruising. Unfortunately, many people with very fair skin have blood vessels and capillaries close to the skin surface. Genetics plus meds plus iron issues is never helpful for bruising - haha.

I have found that upping my water intake can help at times, as long as my iron level is not low. Hydrated skin has a little more cushioning.

[Tankjsl]

I believe, for me, that it's the blood thinner I am on. (Eliquis) That plus "skin fragility" as you age .....you will cut easier and bruise easier. If you take daily aspirin it will also cause the same thing. (my wife's a nurse practitioner so she tells me that all the time). It happens to me and I simply accept it and move forward. I always have bandaids nearby too. I'm 72 and I realize that it happens. I'm grateful to be doing things now that I have a kidney transplant so I simply overlook the "spots." I do use a Cera Ve or Curel daily cream or something comparable and it does help my skin a lot. I am taking predisone but I don't feel that is what is causing bruising.... weight gain... OMG ...yep it causes that. But that's a topic for another day. Very best of luck to you.

[Darlenia]

You may have actinic purpura, also known as senile purpura, a common type of skin bruising that can pop up instantly in older adults. Simply brush against something, and a huge bruise appears. For my husband, simply the pressure of carrying in a bag of groceries created a dramatic purple bruise for no apparent reason. (Sometimes I think just looking at his arm will create a bruise, smh!) I see seniors with that skin condition everywhere-pushing shopping carts, walking dogs, sitting in restaurants, etc. Some believe aging and sun damage make the skin and blood vessels more fragile. Ironically, when my husband showed his transplant center his bruises and asked them to change his meds, the nephrologist there pulled up her sleeves and showed us she had the same problem. She had gone to various specialists for a solution and there is nothing that can be done for that condition other than being gentle on yourself. We caution that this is what happened in our situation. This may not be your what's happening to you. We advise everyone seek their own diagnosis from their medical team. Key signs for actinic purpura, according to Dr. Google, are the following: 1) Bruising. Large, purplish red bruises that appear on the backs of the hands and forearms. 2) Discoloration. The skin may appear thinned and atrophic, and the area may be discolored after the bruises fade. 3) Lesions. New lesions can appear without any trauma.

[EricaTO]

Thanks for such interesting posts about your experiences and suggestions. Some suggested talking with my doctor(s)—always a good idea and I go there first, but didn’t get any clear directions. This might be because it is more a case of senile purpura then a result of medication. But really, the more important thing is that my new kidney is doing extremely well, I am generally healthy, and this problem unsightly (and sometimes painful) but not a threat to general health. Appreciate all the comments.