Skin Problem.

[patsy]

Does anyone else have skin like tissue paper ? my arms are bruised all over very embarrasing as people stare in this hot weather, I would rather they asked me what the problem is rather than stare and make up their own minds. I am so fed up of tearing the skin om my arms I look like a self harmer.

This I assume is all down to steroids, these things work wonders but take their toll on us.

[Hidden]

I've have the same problem & have resorted to wearing cool tops with 3/4 sleeves. I also put on lots of cream , it does seem to help a little.

[BronteM]

Snap....both my arms are decorated with blots and bruises that I picked up ten days ago from two boisterous grandchildren and their new puppy. I was told they are due to the steroid effect.

I'm using lots of body cream after my bath - someone told me that lots of cheap was better than a little expensive. Also massaging in some bio-oil before I go to bed. And I've found some good websites that sell cheerful organic cotton 3/4 T-shirts and tops. They protect me from the sun too. Do you also find the heat tricky? No thermostat working this end!

[patsy in reply to BronteM]

The heat at the moment is wearing me out, I used to be able to stand the sun now I have to run for cover.

[lucindaross]

i used to...i used to find increasing my pred worked....or sometimes IV steroids would work

[BronteM]

Just had lunch with a doctor friend who explained the problem....the steroids strip the collagen out of your skin and leave you with no padding, so the upper layer of the skin cannot move as freely and bruises as a result. I asked if things would improve if/when I got off the steroids. He thinks there will be some improvement, but I won't get my pre-steroid skin back completely. Long sleeves from now on...

[Sandy_T]

Hi Patsy

What a good description. I thought my papery skin was perhaps due to my age, although I'm only 64 and all my friends of a similar age still have lovely skin. I use body lotion morning and evening but it doesn't seem to make any difference and having read BronteM's answer I know why now! 3/4 sleeves do seem to be the only option, but in this really hot weather which I can't tolerate at all, how I long to wear sleeveless tops!

[patsy in reply to Sandy_T]

I find myself only looking at long sleeves now, bit uncomfortable in this weather but hey ho has to be done. I just seem to get my arms looking better then I catch on something and back to square one, I suspect we shall just have to learn to live with horrid arms.

[rrahman]

Hi all.

I also have the same problem...and so please may I remind everyone to wear Sun protection because are skin has thinned and so were more susceptible to getting a form of skin cancer. (Had this discussion other day with consultant)

Every time I get an injection now it just bruises and the injections made whilst I was admitted in hospital are still there on my arms 5 months on and there all over both my arms and hands! Some of my fsmaller family members ask what's that and so I learnt to cover with 3/4 or full out or anywhere else as admittedly to a small child it can look scary and like self harming as someone said.

My GP said they will take a long time to go perhaps a year.

[mandyf]

Hi all, I have the same thing. I've found two thing that seem to help me. The first is I have a bath and exfoliate my skin (using the exfoliating gloves and shower gel so it's really inexpensive). Then I get out of the bath and put on lots of baby oil on wet skin. I leave it to soak in for as long as possible and then just towel off. I usually do it at night and then when I have a shower the next morning my skin looks so much better.

The other thing that I find helps is I use Silcocks Base - it's a cream that can be bought in any chemist and is usually used for dry skin conditions (it can be used as a soap substitute too). Again it's very reasonably priced especially if you buy the big tub. I just apply a good thick layer to wherever you're having the problem - arms, legs, chest etc. I leave the layer thick enough that there is a thin white layer still on your skin, let this soak in and then re-apply. I do this as often as possible, continuing to put it on until my skin won't absorb any more. Silcocks base also makes a lovely face mask. Just apply a thick layer when you're in the bath. When you're finishing up just remove it with a damp face cloth. It really plumps up your skin. If you want to you can also add a few drops of essential oils - I use tea tree if my skin is spotty, lavander if I want to relax etc. It's pure heaven and I feel like I've been to the spa.

Hope this helps someone!