Prednisone and my thin skin

[Thibus]

Hi, I am a 73 year old female who has had PMR for 5 years. I am currently on 10mg. Of Prednisone. When I start to decrease the mg. I get a flare up. I was at one time down to 5 mg. My biggest proble is my skin. It is so thin that when I hit anything I bruise, my skin peels back and I bleed. Now the cuts/bruises turn into blisters. Is there anything I can do or take to prevent this mess. My legs and arms look like I have been beaten!

Thanks. Nancy

[jinasc]

This question has been answered fully on this link today, so you might like to read it:

patient.info/forums/discuss...

[polymy]

Hi There,

I have the same problem. I’m on 3.5mg pred and it is still the same. Door handles are the very devil! The skin sloughs back and and the injury bleeds. The only thing I can say is keep your arms covered and think about it as you walk around. It’s even difficult to use plasters as removing them causes bruising. I can only sympathise.

Liz.

[Thibus in reply to polymy]

I am glad I am not the only one with this horrible problem. This could be why they ask me at the hospital if I feel safe at home. I am one total mess. I went out and bought new clothes. Long pants and long sleeve shirts. I am hoping as I decrease the prednisone it will alliveat this problem. Every time I start going down the pain increases and I have to up it again. Even when I go back and increase it to 10mg. I am still in pain. Seeing my doctor this week and I hope she helps me.

[polymy in reply to Thibus]

It’s interesting that they ask if you feel safe at home. One of my friends looked at my scars and said it looked as though I was self-harming. They are more pronounced now that I have a bit of a tan from the sun. It’s an awful problem. My legs are still stained from all the bruising I had on my shins.

Liz.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to polymy]

It's a euphemism for "does your partner beat you" no doubt...

[PMRnewbie2017]

Hi. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I don't think there's anything that will restore the lost collagen and improve skin thickness. The creams and other topical products will not do this because the upper layer of skin known as epidermis contain cells which progressively die as they migrate to the surface where they are shed. Creams will help with dryness and the skin will feel more supple but it's a cosmetic benefit. Be wary of supplements which promise stronger nails, hair and skin. Their formulation isn't based on good science. You'd be better to spend the money on good quality protein and veggies!!