Preventing/ameliorating bruising

[Trinka13]

I am currently on 6mg prednisone after PMR diagnosis almost exactly one year ago. My skin seems to be very thin and getting thinner, so I have bandages on my arms and the bruising makes me look like I have been in a boxing match! My question is: Does anyone DO anything to minimize the likelihood of this bruising (other than avoiding bumping into anything) or to treat the bruises once they appear?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I was talking about this to my rheumy this morning - my skin has returned to a fairly robust state after 18 months or so below 10mg pred. The petechiae no longer appear on my arms and my shins do bruise still but not as badly and the darkening is fading as the haem that causes it slowly goes as the tissues are renewed.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I always use/used Arnica cream/gel.

You can get tablets as well - but do check they are okay with any meds you take -a no, no with blood clotting meds.

[Trinka13 in reply to DorsetLady]

THANKS for the tip ... bought some Arnica cream yesterday!

[Bridge31]

I wear limb protectors on my arms and legs. The company’s products I use is Limbkeepers. I’m sure they will have something similar in the USA. They do 2 different weights. I use the arm ones on my legs as well because I like to have my feet free.

It has been a big problem for me throughout the 5 years. The darkening that PMRPro mentioned has not faded for me so sadly I can’t wear clothes that are not ankle length anymore in the summer.

The Pred has damaged my skin in other ways too.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bridge31]

I still wear mid-calf trousers - too hot hear not to! Nobody cares - and if they do, tough!

[Bridge31 in reply to PMRpro]

🌟🩷