Fed Up With Bruises.

[gillyknits]

I am really fed up because if, I just lightly knock or rub my skin,I end up with a massive reddy-purple bruise. Just drying myself too briskly with a towel can cause them. Also if I catch the skin it can lift a flap and bleed. I have seen the Dr. And had blood tests but have been told it is age related thinning of the skin.I am 68!
I recently read an article that mentioned inhaled steroids causing thinning of the skin but my Dr. just dismissed it by saying that inhalation of steroids wouldn't be enough to cause damage.I am on inhaled steroids for asthma.
I just wondered if anyone out there had found a solution to this apart from wrapping myself in bubble wrap.

[jennyjoan]

afraid it comes with age - my mum was forever black and blue and she cursed and cursed when a pram came near her - the only time I ever saw her raise her voice

[wolf63]

My mother was asthmatic and used inhalers (and some pills - at really bad times). She had bruising and brittle bones - she was told that was due to the steroid inhalers. I am not sure if her own GP or the Chest clinic told her this.

She died in 1996 at the age of 58, I think that she has taken her inhaler for many years.

[Samuraisan]

Gosh that was too young Wolfie. Sorry to hear that.

[woofgang]

What does the doc say?

[gillyknits]

The doctor just says there's nothing that can be done. I just wondered if anyone had found anything to strengthen skin.My daughter has found a Kevlar bomb disposal suit on eBay to protect me from the bruises. I have to smile even though I hate looking like I've been in a bad fight.

[woofgang]

gilly, what does the doc say is causing it? not everybody gets age related skin thinning so there must be some other element...I do get so fed up when doctors say “at your age” and I am only in my 60’s

[ladyalex]

I think I would get another opinion from another GP in the practice.
Or ask for a referral to a dermatologist or other specialist.

[gillyknits]

I've seen two doctors in our practice. The first did blood tests and nothing showed up. The second just said it was ' age related' but I think I will try and get a referral to a dermatologist,as it is driving me mad!

[trt]

Hi Gilly,

You have my sympathy, as they can be embarrassing if outdoors and arms on show, or in company of strangers, but I have had them for at least 8 years, and they are getting worse, I'm 72.

Same as you, I just have to lightly knock my arm on a cupboard, play fight with my grandson, and the bruises come up, or a skin bleed. At the moment the back of my hands look terrible,.

My Doc said it was a combination of age, taking water tablets for swollen feet, and the reason they are getting worse is because I have started taking Steroid tablets, & a Steroid inhaler for COPD.

So 2 different answers from 2 Docs!!!!!

[grasscarp]

I seemed to remember a vitamin being mentioned to do with bruising easily so looked on google. This is from an American site.
The reason why most people bruise is that their capillaries are too fragile and essentially are easily torn. One of the best ways to ensure that your capillaries remain strong and flexible is to make sure you have an excellent source of bioflavonoids in your diet. Excellent dietary sources of bioflavonoids include dark-colored berries, dark leafy greens, garlic, and onions.

Typically, a well-rounded diet with plenty of organic vegetables and some fruits will be more than sufficient to provide all the micronutrients you will need to prevent bruising from all but the most severe traumas. However, if you bruise easily, the following nutrients will be especially important and if you're not getting enough of them via your diet a supplement may be useful:


• Rutin

Rutin is a bioflavonoid known to strengthen blood vessels. For this reason, it's often used for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as well as bruising. In fact, a deficiency of bioflavonoids may allow blood vessels to break easier, which is why, if you bruise easily, you would likely benefit from taking rutin.

In one study of people with progressive pigmented purpura, the skin lesions were completely cleared after four weeks of treatment with a rutin (50 mg twice a day) and vitamin C supplement.3

• Hesperidin

This bioflavonoid, found in citrus peels, is also known for strengthening capillaries. In a study of menopausal women, those who took a daily supplement of hesperidin and vitamin C had reduced bruising.4

• Vitamin C

In people with low vitamin C intake, increasing vitamin C has been found to reduce bruising.5 Taking vitamin C along with bioflavonoids like rutin or hesperidin is recommended, as they may improve vitamin C's effectiveness and absorption.6 As reported by the University of Michigan Health System:7


"Even minor deficiencies of vitamin C and possibly of flavonoids can lead to increased bruising. People who bruise easily may benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables, common sources of vitamin C and flavonoids.


…Reduce your tendency to bruise by taking a daily combination of at least 400 mg of vitamin C and 400 mg of flavonoids, such as hesperidin or rutin."

[gillyknits]

Thank you Grasscarp.I already take vitamin c but will certainly look out for the other things that you mentioned. Getting desperate and will try anything!