Thin skin ... literally, haha.

[LemonZest11]

I have noticed recently (after 12 months of pred), that my arms are soooo wrinkled. I am not a big woman so not a lot of muscle/fat to fill the skin out. Is this the experience of others? I’m not that vain, but I am self-conscious. One more question ... when taking calcium/vit D supplements, I have read here that it’s best not to take at the same time as pred. If this true, can you please explain why? Thanks team ...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The calcium interferes with the absorption of the pred - one pharmacist said it was an effect due to the calcium supplement coating the pred tablets. However, prednisolone also impairs the absorption of calcium from the gut. This study

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

suggests that "calcium malabsorption in the corticosteroid-treated patients is due to a dose-related abnormality of vitamin D metabolism and not to a direct effect of corticosteroids on depressing transmucosal intestinal absorption of calcium."

Your vit D is important in preventing loss of bone density with steroids.

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for that. So probably better to take it with lunch?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to LemonZest11]

You shouldn't be taking more than 600mg at a time anyway - body can't absorb more at one time - so we usually say pred for breakfast, calcium lunch and dinner (or any other meal/snack so there is a bit of fat to help the transport).

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, that sounds right. Was wondering if taking it with dairy is OK, I have researched and there doesn’t seem to be a problem with that.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to LemonZest11]

You mean the pred? Dietary calcium is rarely in such large quantities - applies for a lot of things, dietary is OK, care is needed with supplements. Though spinach and rhubarb aren't good with calcium supplements - oxalic acid stops absorption of the calcium.

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you ... that makes good sense. Always so thankful for the advice. Xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Pred does cause skin to be thinner and less resilient, but can’t say I noticed the wrinkles - usually it has the opposite effect - very often we say it’s cheaper than Botox.

Since off Pred Ive noticed my upper arms are a bit more wrinkled than they were...but I put that down to age! Probably not the answer you want....sorry 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣😂🤣

[LemonZest11 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for that ... it has happened quickly. I don’t mind aging, just wondered.

[Constance13 in reply to LemonZest11]

Mine (arms and legs) are very thin skinned and wrinkly too - almost predictable with age and PMR (with me). It's worst for those who haven't enough fat to fill the skin.😂 I hurt when I sit on a hard surface. Still, better than the weight most PMRers suffer on pred.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Constance13]

When I relax my arms, they just wrinkle like crazy. This is a new phenomenon. I feel like my body is just disappearing beneath thin skin. Not to worry, least of the side effects. Yes, not suffering with weight gain ... very fortunate there.

[Blearyeyed in reply to LemonZest11]

I have found not gaining weight , and occasionally loosing it , on my medications have added to the wrinkly appearance and fragility of my skin , especially with steroids .

Before GCA and Steroids , I had many pain and joint issues and dry skin , but both the toll of the added illness and side effects of the medication have aged my face and body skin by at least 10 years. I am beginning to look as unwell as I feel.

Having more zinc , magnesium , vitamins A, C, D, and E and Omega 3 in my diet , or through a daily supplement , and using a good fragrance free moisturiser with coconut oil , or topical cream with zinc and magnesium on problem spots, after a warm shower have helped.

Having enough folates , B vitamins and Iron also reduce bruising and the dark patches and circles under your eyes .

Soluble fibre can also improve digestion which helps us absorb more nutrients and reduces dehydration caused by a sluggish system. Often an improvement in digestive health can make a big difference to our skin health.

Wearing layers , getting some protection and cushioning from clothes and wearing breathable cotton also helps .

Also curing from within with those nutrients in my food , and good hydration ( 1.5/2ltrs of mineral water or green tea everyday ) can keep the more common bruises or minor injuries from happening or improves their recovery by helping improve the elasticity of your skin.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks for all this advice ... it's a bit of a bugger isn't it?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to LemonZest11]

I notice some mornings that the skin on my forearms is crepey if I lift them up horizontally - a sign of age they say - but it goes away after a couple of mugs of tea ...

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Not mine ... age yes, but this had happened in 6 months. Vanity be gone!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to LemonZest11]

This happened suddenly when it did appear - but after over 6 YEARS of pred!

[Bridge31 in reply to LemonZest11]

Feel exactly the same

[Smokygirl in reply to LemonZest11]

Mine too LemonZest! I had decent arms for my age until I started Pred five months ago—- but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to wear short sleeves again. Yes! I am vain!!! xxx

[Coachev in reply to Constance13]

Me too. No fat and extremely thin skin. I wear bike shorts in case i will be sitting on hard surfaces under my clothes.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Coachev]

Your the first person I have read a reply from that also needs a bit more padding when they sit down , I'm glad I'm not alone 😁

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Coachev]

Never thought of that - not that I need it, if only - but OH is so skinny it isn't true ...

[Louisepenygraig]

I think my skin has got more wrinkly, especially arms since taking pred but I don't know if it's the pred or just that I'm getting older 😦

[valb232 in reply to Louisepenygraig]

It's the Prednisone!!

[HeronNS]

Yes, I've had this effect. In fact, I've noticed that everything about me aged when I started pred. My gums receded, where they'd been fine before, and fine wrinkles appeared on my arms, and I've been subject to those little red bruises, although only once did the skin tear (in February this year, took several months before the resulting scar disappeared). Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! I really am going to blame pred, not PMR, for this as the effects along with a number of hidden side effects, occurred with pred and not before (increased ocular pressure, increased blood sugar, possibly bone thinning but no proof of that).

Incidently I've found that a bedtime dose of calcium (with a little snack like yoghurt or kefir) is a great sleep aid!

[Portobello in reply to HeronNS]

Hi, I'd like to try your bedtime calcium idea but what form of calcium do you take? I've read that iCal can cause irritation of the bladder and the last thing I need is getting up to the loo even more frequently 😩🤔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Portobello]

I find that as long as I drink plenty during the day I don't get irritation which has been a problem for me on days when I take 2 tablets and am travelling or something so I don;t drink as much.

[Whitner in reply to PMRpro]

I've found the same, that taking calcium after dinner does help me sleep. I take 1200 mg but it's time released.

[HeronNS in reply to Portobello]

Calcium hyroxyapatite, 300 mg or calcium citrate, 250 mg with kefir or yoghurt, and usually at least half an hour before I lie down to sleep. Often have a bit more of a snack then anyway because I need calories and don't want to lie down with a full stomach.

[Portobello in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks that's really useful. Will try it. Not sure about my body's reaction to iCal.

[HeronNS in reply to Portobello]

What is iCal?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

maybe?

[HeronNS in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks! iCal is a computer program, and then I learned about ionizing calcium but eventually found this, and thought it must be the one. Dose too big, and it's carbonate. No wonder people have problems.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

Tells you to take half a tablet and not exceed it in certain situations. So why make it that big?

[Portobello in reply to HeronNS]

Yes, PMRpro is correct- this is what I've been prescribed- one tablet a day. A friend takes 2! I suspected it upset my stomach so haven't been taking it, instead buying my own supply of vitD and hoping my diet is calcium rich enough.

[LemonZest11 in reply to HeronNS]

Oh thanks, I will try that. I too blame the pred ... thin skin, increased blood pressure, bones and sugar! Bloody hell, what will I be like in another 12 months??

[HeronNS in reply to LemonZest11]

Actually probably a lot better as you taper!

[LemonZest11 in reply to HeronNS]

🤞❤

[Thelmarina in reply to HeronNS]

My skin is like tissue paper but I have discovered manuka honey dressings and manuka honey ointment. It is amazing. Helps reduce scarring and open wounds, also clears small spots and lesions. Every little helps! 😀

[Hirwaen in reply to Thelmarina]

Isn't manuka honey a bit sticky! My arms arm dreadful, bruises,tears and wrinkles!! Anything that would help is most welcome. 😀

[LemonZest11 in reply to Hirwaen]

Yes! Haha, I have visions of slapping honey all over my body and making a complete mess and then bees arriving through the back door and all kinds of other images!!! The mind boggles!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hirwaen]

It's different , seems funny but it works , especially for things like deep slow healing cuts or ulcers.

It's actually recommended on the Dermatology Society Doctors research articles for wound care .

[Thelmarina in reply to Hirwaen]

It’s not too bad. If applying loads then use a dressing, but you have control,over the tubed stuff 😀

[maria40 in reply to Thelmarina]

My daughter can't bear the smell of honey after being treated with honey dressings for severe burns last year

[Portobello]

Yes, after 4 months of Pred my arm muscles have all but disappeared and I'm really wrinkly. Trying to do light exercises but no improvement noted yet!

[Hidden]

2 things.... Water and lots of it and double base gel. It's a lovely non sticky type lotion and I try to remember to apply to arms and legs twice a day and before a shower. I think it was jinasc who suggested it and its really good. Even if I forget to put it on everyday it helps. I am quite big but lost almost a stone in 6 weeks because of a tummy bug and my legs got really crinkly. It really helps smooth out the skin. 🌻

[LemonZest11 in reply to Hidden]

Double base gel, do I just ask for that at the chemist? Thanks Poopadoops!

[Hidden in reply to LemonZest11]

Try chemist's they can order it or try online.

[Smokygirl in reply to LemonZest11]

My doctor gives it to me on script!

[LemonZest11 in reply to Hidden]

I just tried my chemist. They had heard of it but it’s a UK product, not available in Australia. I’m going to order it online from ChemistConnect. Thanks for the tip.

[Bridge31 in reply to Hidden]

My GP gave it to me on prescription

[Janstr]

I had lost about 11/2 stone with GCA & my arms were really wrinkly & old looking. Now I've put that needed weight back on they look much better

[Galloping]

Agree with all the replies but I also take a daily dose of marine collegen powder dissolved in a glass of milk. It takes a while to have an effect but my wrinkly arms and legs are improving. I've also noticed that the red bruising is much less and when it does happen it disappears very quickly.

I also find Bio Oil helps with the dry crepey skin.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Galloping]

Oh that marine colleges powder sounds interesting ... I will research that. Thank you for the info. xx

[Galloping]

IT also helps with hair and nails. My nails are stronger and I haven't noticed any hair loss above the usual amount since being on Prednisalone.

Hope it helps you.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Galloping]

Thanks, will def give it a go. I'm prepared to try anything, appreciate your sharing this.

[Margaret1951]

Hi, glad I am not on my own with arm wrinkles !!! I thought old age as when I hold my arm across by gum looks awful !!

[LemonZest11 in reply to Margaret1951]

Yes, I know. I'm in Australia and so quite hot with arms exposed most of the time. Yuk!! Just another little gift from pmr and pred. 🙄

[Margaret1951 in reply to LemonZest11]

Awe I think it wonderful to have free gifts !! We don’t get many of them 🤪🤪🤪

[Hidden in reply to Margaret1951]

Moisturising really helps my wrinkly under inside forearm bit. I am 58 and it looks like crepe paper if I don't slather in lotion/dbg

[Margaret1951 in reply to Hidden]

I use coconut oil , perhaps nhs will give us a skin lift 😂😂

[Hidden in reply to Margaret1951]

There are far too many saggy bits now! 😂😂😂

[Margaret1951 in reply to Hidden]

😂😂 inside near my groin looks terrible with flab’s !! Hardly any muscle left !! Nhs does look after us 😂😂😂

[Hidden in reply to Margaret1951]

That's my main issue after I lost weight with a tummy bug thing! A lovely wrinkly patch. The doublebase gel helps.

[Beccabee123]

I find all the information about supplements really interesting. Also worth remembering to take vitamin K2 alongside D3 as it helps to improve bone density rather than calcium furring up the arteries and fine vessels within the body.

[LemonZest11]

Yes, that is something I need to learn more about. Thanks.

[Summerrental]

My arms are very wrinkled & my skin bruises & rips very easily on pred. I have been on pred. since May, 2018. Started on 20 mg, down to 7 /1/2 mg. Hope it improves as I lower the dose.