Fragile skin - blister?

[Tiggy70]

Hi,

I know there have been many posts on fragile skin issues but I’m concerned at the moment as I have a very delicate patch of thin skin on my shin about a cm across which has watery fluid under it.

The fluid disperses during the day but is there again when I get up each morning. I’m terrified of knocking it and getting a sore/ulcer. Has anyone else had this issue and should I be seeing a doctor about it? I’ve had it for about a month. I’m currently on 10mg Pred. Thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

If it’s gone on that long, yes sensible to get it checked, if only for your own peace of mind…

[Tiggy70 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for the advice💐

[PMRpro Ambassador]

After a month - yes. But the nurse at the practice would probably be the best first line.

[Tiggy70 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I’ll try and get a nurses appointment 🌸

[Grammy80]

By all mean, Tiggy, have it checked. When I was on a much higher dosage than you are, I developed lymphedema....it is not always the giant swelling we imagine. It may be you need some compression for a bit....??? I have NO degree. Hope you are keeping it covered to keep out any bacteria should it open. Good luck, I bet it is just a 'little niggle.' That's British English isn't it? 💞

[Tiggy70 in reply to Grammy80]

Hi Grammy, thanks for your response. Yes you are right! It is a “little niggle”. At present the skin isn’t broken but I’m terrified of knocking it. I’m allergic to most plasters but the ones that I can use leave me with red mottled skin when I remove them. Maybe your suggestion of a compression bandage would be better. I think a visit to one of the nurses at my GP practice might be the way forward 🌸

[Murphysauntie in reply to Tiggy70]

Hi Grammy I would say a visit to your practice nurse is a must just to get it checked out ..I too am suffering with very fragile skin (The latest one was made cleaning the top of the microwave , I won’t be doing that again in a hurry 😂) I like you am allergic to lots of the plasters etc but after a visit to our practice nurse she checked the wound to make certain there was no infection and I came away with all different types of dressing and some tubigrip to put on top of the dressings for extra protection .

[Tiggy70 in reply to Murphysauntie]

Thanks for the advice. The skin on my forearms and shins is like tissue paper after nearly 5 years on steroids. I have Kevlar arm protectors for gardening but I’m considering getting a pair of long socks and a lightweight pair of shin pads to wear as well🤪. I had a bad shin a while back after catching it on the open door of the dishwasher.🌸

[Grammy80 in reply to Tiggy70]

On Amazon~~~I'm an Amazon Queen.....you can purchase light weight cotton compression in a roll. That was good for my arms and legs when I needed protection...although Kevlar must be great.

My main concern for you is that the skin breaks and bacteria gets in there. I'm glad you are following up.💞

[Tiggy70 in reply to Grammy80]

Thank you Grammy. I’m trying to be really careful not to knock it and have it covered with a small dressing. I’ll have a look at the Amazon dressings. I’m guessing they stay put without extra tape. Since having fragile skin I never realised how many times in a week I knock myself somewhere. Maybe it’s just me!🤪

[Murphysauntie in reply to Tiggy70]

That sounds like a very good idea for protecting your shins Tiggy and as a keen gardener myself who had a falling out with a step ladder and a rose bush a few weeks ago I’ll be ordering these items i myself . And beware of full cardboard boxes they are not good for shins either 🤨

[Tiggy70 in reply to Murphysauntie]

Hi, I haven’t researched the shin pads yet. I believe there are some small lightweight ones on line. The arm protectors I’ve found really useful and they have prevented a few injuries. Like most gardeners we’re always pruning and tidying things. I’ll pop into my garden to hang some washing out and before I know it I’m in the middle of a shrub pruning something minus the protection. I’m also guilty of gardening in my slippers 😩. Also beware of open drop down dishwasher doors!!

[ngchgc]

Expert here, only because been there many times at the moment, the shin has the least amount of any muscle mass beneath it, and does not have the supply to heal it quickly. As my GP told me.

Pred slows the healing down big time and the recovery is about 6+ weeks providing one does not bump it again or, wet it! The good skin has to develop from under the bubble or wound.

Use an antibiotic powder to absorb the blood, lymphatic fluid, next an absorbent pad with a non stick surface, and a crepe bandage, beware, medical tape can also lift the skin off, I found that out big time. I did take a photo, but to post it I would have to put a warning first! Change the absorbent pad daily.

Any signs of redness and soreness see an MD.

[Tiggy70 in reply to ngchgc]

Thanks for your response. Fortunately the skin isn’t broken and I’m hoping it stays that way but I’m think a dressing over it to protect it would be a good idea.

Reading your bio you’ve had a rough time. I hope things are improving for you.

[Poshcards]

yes, get it checked out in case xx