thin skin and steroid use
mattie16 posted:
Ok I thought I would toss this issue out and see if any one has a thought on the subject.
I took a lot of pred for about a 4 year period before getting my asthma under control, and unfortunately one of the side effects was really thinning of the skin especially on my arms. Add the natural hormone loss of perimenopause plus my low fat diet (due to liver enzyme issues triggered by the steroid use) and the skin on my arms has gotten paper thin. Just normal household chores and I can bump it and it bleeds under the skin, or sometimes tears. I constantly have dark bruising under the skin from just daily life. Its better in the winter months with long sleeves and sweatshirts, but that is not viable this time of year.
I asked the gyn about this, and all she could say was the menopause does tend to cause skin thinning due to lack of estrogen, but hormone replacement is not an option for me due to family history of uterine cancer. She suggested lotion.
I have tried lotions, drinking vats of water to keep the skin hydrated and more supple but nothing really helps. I even bought terry cloth wrist guards to wear when I clean which minimizes the bumps/dings .
Anyone have any ideas? I am not sure if a dermo would help at this point or not. Anyone else noticing that the steroids causes thin skin.
Going to run this issue by my internist next month when I see him, but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions.
Mattie
I took a lot of pred for about a 4 year period before getting my asthma under control, and unfortunately one of the side effects was really thinning of the skin especially on my arms. Add the natural hormone loss of perimenopause plus my low fat diet (due to liver enzyme issues triggered by the steroid use) and the skin on my arms has gotten paper thin. Just normal household chores and I can bump it and it bleeds under the skin, or sometimes tears. I constantly have dark bruising under the skin from just daily life. Its better in the winter months with long sleeves and sweatshirts, but that is not viable this time of year.
I asked the gyn about this, and all she could say was the menopause does tend to cause skin thinning due to lack of estrogen, but hormone replacement is not an option for me due to family history of uterine cancer. She suggested lotion.
I have tried lotions, drinking vats of water to keep the skin hydrated and more supple but nothing really helps. I even bought terry cloth wrist guards to wear when I clean which minimizes the bumps/dings .
Anyone have any ideas? I am not sure if a dermo would help at this point or not. Anyone else noticing that the steroids causes thin skin.
Going to run this issue by my internist next month when I see him, but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions.
Mattie
34 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useOk I thought I would toss this issue out and see if any one has a thought on the subject. <br><br>I took a lot of pred for about a 4 year period before getting my asthma under control, and unfortunately one of the side effects was really thinning of the skin especially on my arms. Add the natural hormone loss of perimenopause plus my low fat diet (due to liver enzyme issues triggered by the steroid use) and the skin on my arms has gotten paper thin. Just normal household chores and I can bump it and it bleeds under the skin, or sometimes tears. I constantly have dark bruising under the skin from just daily life. Its better in the winter months with long sleeves and sweatshirts, but that is not viable this time of year. <br><br>I asked the gyn about this, and all she could say was the menopause does tend to cause skin thinning due to lack of estrogen, but hormone replacement is not an option for me due to family history of uterine cancer. She suggested lotion. <br><br>I have tried lotions, drinking vats of water to keep the skin hydrated and more supple but nothing really helps. I even bought terry cloth wrist guards to wear when I clean which minimizes the bumps/dings . <br><br>Anyone have any ideas? I am not sure if a dermo would help at this point or not. Anyone else noticing that the steroids causes thin skin. <br><br>Going to run this issue by my internist next month when I see him, but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions. <br><br>Mattie
An_189820 responded:
I heard copper peptides are good for thin skin. Some cosmetics have them. I think burn victims are treated with copper in some form or other - does anybody know about this?
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useI heard copper peptides are good for thin skin. Some cosmetics have them. I think burn victims are treated with copper in some form or other - does anybody know about this?
rrhiab responded:
Has anyone had this problem with short-term steroid use? I've been on the inhaler for a couple months to treat bronchitis, and was switched to the tablets this past week after I relapsed. It wasn't listed as a side effect on either medication, but a few days ago I found a bruise about half again the size of my fist on the back of my leg, with no recollection of having bumped myself hard enough to make that kind of mark, and today I realized that a vein on the front of my right should is highly visible, when it never has been before.
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useHas anyone had this problem with short-term steroid use? I've been on the inhaler for a couple months to treat bronchitis, and was switched to the tablets this past week after I relapsed. It wasn't listed as a side effect on either medication, but a few days ago I found a bruise about half again the size of my fist on the back of my leg, with no recollection of having bumped myself hard enough to make that kind of mark, and today I realized that a vein on the front of my right should is highly visible, when it never has been before.
Mathchickie replied to rrhiab's response:
Yes, that is a side effect of oral steroids. It doesn't usually show up so fast, but I suppose it's possible.
Let your doctor know this, and ask how quickly you can get off the steroids. (Stopping them too quickly could cause the original problem to flare up again.)
Let your doctor know this, and ask how quickly you can get off the steroids. (Stopping them too quickly could cause the original problem to flare up again.)
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useYes, that is a side effect of oral steroids. It doesn't usually show up so fast, but I suppose it's possible.<br /><br />Let your doctor know this, and ask how quickly you can get off the steroids. (Stopping them too quickly could cause the original problem to flare up again.)
ljaffe1951 responded:
I have asthma and stopped using my inhalers my arms are a mess and I am to young to be looking this bad. A bump or scratch does the trick. But interesting you should say estrogen because a few years ago I had a total hysteroctmy and I did not take any hormone replacements. That could be the combo causing this. Thanks for your imput.
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useI have asthma and stopped using my inhalers my arms are a mess and I am to young to be looking this bad. A bump or scratch does the trick. But interesting you should say estrogen because a few years ago I had a total hysteroctmy and I did not take any hormone replacements. That could be the combo causing this. Thanks for your imput.
gagesmammy responded:
I wouldn't put too much stock in the lack of estrogen being one of the factors for the thin skin and bleeding and bruising with a mere little bump. I have had harmone replacement ever since the day I had my hysterectomy in 1989 and I still bleed and bruise with just the slightest of bumps. I get so angry! My arms look like I have been in a major battle with someone or something. The only thing I can tell you is that Emu Oil seems to help take away the bruising. That is the only thing I have found that even comes close to helping. I got my information from my local health food store, and since then I have found the oil at some pharmacies. It is a little pricey but I feel that it is well worth the money and it does go a long way. Darn steroids! Too bad we had to have them with Asthma but thank goodness they were available. I haven't had to have them in a long time, but I'm afraid the damage is done!
Sharon
Sharon
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useI wouldn't put too much stock in the lack of estrogen being one of the factors for the thin skin and bleeding and bruising with a mere little bump. I have had harmone replacement ever since the day I had my hysterectomy in 1989 and I still bleed and bruise with just the slightest of bumps. I get so angry! My arms look like I have been in a major battle with someone or something. The only thing I can tell you is that Emu Oil seems to help take away the bruising. That is the only thing I have found that even comes close to helping. I got my information from my local health food store, and since then I have found the oil at some pharmacies. It is a little pricey but I feel that it is well worth the money and it does go a long way. Darn steroids! Too bad we had to have them with Asthma but thank goodness they were available. I haven't had to have them in a long time, but I'm afraid the damage is done!<br /><br />Sharon
tomasrobert12 responded:
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Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useVitamin D and its particular Importance For The Wellness <br /><br /><br /><br />We are all conscious of the positive aspects of d vitamin for our bone fragments and calcium concentrations. That is why every single parent makes its youngster to drink milk regularly as a result of the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vitaminddeficiencyonline.com/">Vitamin D Deficiency</a> and calcium mineral in it. On the other hand, the d vitamin is additionally beneficial inside the protection against many other illnesses and it is really useful for the overall health.
stilltween responded:
Try taking 3000 mg fish oil each day. Give it long enough for the old spots to heal and see if you get any new ones.
I discovered this by chance when I quit taking fish oil all the bruising and bleeding under the skin is unbelieveable.
It can't hurt to see if this works for you too. Good luck
I discovered this by chance when I quit taking fish oil all the bruising and bleeding under the skin is unbelieveable.
It can't hurt to see if this works for you too. Good luck
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useTry taking 3000 mg fish oil each day. Give it long enough for the old spots to heal and see if you get any new ones. <br />I discovered this by chance when I quit taking fish oil all the bruising and bleeding under the skin is unbelieveable.<br />It can't hurt to see if this works for you too. Good luck
gagesmammy replied to stilltween's response:
I hope the fish oil works for some folks. As for me, I've been on high doses of fish oil for years and I'm still bruised and beat up from just a bump. I get up in the mornings sometimes and have spots on my arms I have no idea how I got them. I get all the spots cleared up and I'm so proud of myself and wouldn't you know...Saturday night I bump I bump my arm on the shower door so once again I get to go to church with bruised arms.
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useI hope the fish oil works for some folks. As for me, I've been on high doses of fish oil for years and I'm still bruised and beat up from just a bump. I get up in the mornings sometimes and have spots on my arms I have no idea how I got them. I get all the spots cleared up and I'm so proud of myself and wouldn't you know...Saturday night I bump I bump my arm on the shower door so once again I get to go to church with bruised arms.
christalblue responded:
Hi Mattie
I also have imbaressing huge purple spots on my hands As you said in the winter it's not to bad As you can wear long sleeves and pull them over your arm's ! But in the summer when I wear a long sleeve shirt People ask me arent you hot ???
My Mom had HHT If you don't know what that is It is a rare blood dease That makes manly your nose bleed. You lose your blood and have these tiny dots all over your body. Every Dr say's that isn't it what is causing my hands to look like this. They tell me it's from blood thiners That's hard to belive Because I had stopped all blood thiners and handswere still the same Please email me and let me knowe if you have herd anything from any one
I also have COPD ALL ASTHMA MEDACINE They do not cause this
Best regards
christalblue
I also have imbaressing huge purple spots on my hands As you said in the winter it's not to bad As you can wear long sleeves and pull them over your arm's ! But in the summer when I wear a long sleeve shirt People ask me arent you hot ???
My Mom had HHT If you don't know what that is It is a rare blood dease That makes manly your nose bleed. You lose your blood and have these tiny dots all over your body. Every Dr say's that isn't it what is causing my hands to look like this. They tell me it's from blood thiners That's hard to belive Because I had stopped all blood thiners and handswere still the same Please email me and let me knowe if you have herd anything from any one
I also have COPD ALL ASTHMA MEDACINE They do not cause this
Best regards
christalblue
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useHi Mattie<br />I also have imbaressing huge purple spots on my hands As you said in the winter it's not to bad As you can wear long sleeves and pull them over your arm's ! But in the summer when I wear a long sleeve shirt People ask me arent you hot ???<br />My Mom had HHT If you don't know what that is It is a rare blood dease That makes manly your nose bleed. You lose your blood and have these tiny dots all over your body. Every Dr say's that isn't it what is causing my hands to look like this. They tell me it's from blood thiners That's hard to belive Because I had stopped all blood thiners and handswere still the same Please email me and let me knowe if you have herd anything from any one <br />I also have COPD ALL ASTHMA MEDACINE They do not cause this <br />Best regards<br />christalblue
Noetic replied to christalblue's response:
Hi All,
I don't have asthma, but I've started having this unattractive bleeding problem on my left arm. Just scratching a mild itch will leave reddish purple blotches that last for days. It's gotten so bad I'm embarrased to wear short sleeves to work or even go to the gym. Everyone asks, "What happened to you?!"
My derm told me my skin is thin from sun damage received as a child and in early adulthood (I'm 49 now and have worn sunscreen religiously since I was in my late 30's). He said most people have more sun damage on their left arms thant their right due to the extra sun exposure it receives while driving (even through the car window). He suggested AmLactin, an otc lotion, as well as presrciption strength Retin A to thicken the skin. I'm going to try Renova, which is not covered by insurance but my derm gave me a couple a samples to see how well it works. He also said Arnica Gel might be worth a shot. His number one recommendation to thicken the skin is Fraxel Laser treaments, four sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. I've had Fraxel done on my face with great results. But it is quite expensive and very painful - even with numbing cream. If the creams don't work, I'll start saving money for the Fraxel.
If anyone else has tried Fraxel for this problem, I'd love to hear your experience!
Cheers
I don't have asthma, but I've started having this unattractive bleeding problem on my left arm. Just scratching a mild itch will leave reddish purple blotches that last for days. It's gotten so bad I'm embarrased to wear short sleeves to work or even go to the gym. Everyone asks, "What happened to you?!"
My derm told me my skin is thin from sun damage received as a child and in early adulthood (I'm 49 now and have worn sunscreen religiously since I was in my late 30's). He said most people have more sun damage on their left arms thant their right due to the extra sun exposure it receives while driving (even through the car window). He suggested AmLactin, an otc lotion, as well as presrciption strength Retin A to thicken the skin. I'm going to try Renova, which is not covered by insurance but my derm gave me a couple a samples to see how well it works. He also said Arnica Gel might be worth a shot. His number one recommendation to thicken the skin is Fraxel Laser treaments, four sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. I've had Fraxel done on my face with great results. But it is quite expensive and very painful - even with numbing cream. If the creams don't work, I'll start saving money for the Fraxel.
If anyone else has tried Fraxel for this problem, I'd love to hear your experience!
Cheers
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useHi All,<br /> <br />I don't have asthma, but I've started having this unattractive bleeding problem on my left arm. Just scratching a mild itch will leave reddish purple blotches that last for days. It's gotten so bad I'm embarrased to wear short sleeves to work or even go to the gym. Everyone asks, "What happened to you?!"<br /> <br />My derm told me my skin is thin from sun damage received as a child and in early adulthood (I'm 49 now and have worn sunscreen religiously since I was in my late 30's). He said most people have more sun damage on their left arms thant their right due to the extra sun exposure it receives while driving (even through the car window). He suggested AmLactin, an otc lotion, as well as presrciption strength Retin A to thicken the skin. I'm going to try Renova, which is not covered by insurance but my derm gave me a couple a samples to see how well it works. He also said Arnica Gel might be worth a shot. His number one recommendation to thicken the skin is Fraxel Laser treaments, four sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. I've had Fraxel done on my face with great results. But it is quite expensive and very painful - even with numbing cream. If the creams don't work, I'll start saving money for the Fraxel.<br /> <br />If anyone else has tried Fraxel for this problem, I'd love to hear your experience!<br /> <br />Cheers
amcate replied to christalblue's response:
I mean this as a general response. Thanks for the thread. I didn't know the bruises were from corticosteroids. For years, I look down, and all of a sudden my legs have bruises on them with me having no idea where they came from. People would ask me what I did, and I'd say, "I don't know, but there it is."
I don't have thin skin, though. However, the ezcema has gotten a lot worse over the last few years.....but that's probably for another board.
I don't have thin skin, though. However, the ezcema has gotten a lot worse over the last few years.....but that's probably for another board.
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useI mean this as a general response. Thanks for the thread. I didn't know the bruises were from corticosteroids. For years, I look down, and all of a sudden my legs have bruises on them with me having no idea where they came from. People would ask me what I did, and I'd say, "I don't know, but there it is." <br /> <br />I don't have thin skin, though. However, the ezcema has gotten a lot worse over the last few years.....but that's probably for another board.
Asthmatica responded:
Hi, I have been on Prednisone for my Asthma now for about a year. I have thinning, shiny fragile skin with bruising when I have to increase mr dose above 20mg. my naturopathic Dr who is a nutritionist, suggested Omega-3 1000mg per day, MSM supplement 1-5x a day, and most importantly Vitamin C 1gm, 2x a day. Due to my sensitive digestion I have not been talking any Vitamin C for years. I found a 2 stage release Vitamin C by Solaray, ans within a matter of weeks, my skin became stronger and more resilient. my bruises and healing time have improved by 100%. Ask your Dr how much to take, especially if you are sensitive to acid foods or drinks. I use 100% Aloe Vera Gel on my arms chest and legs, which is very moisturizing and healing as well
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useHi, I have been on Prednisone for my Asthma now for about a year. I have thinning, shiny fragile skin with bruising when I have to increase mr dose above 20mg. my naturopathic Dr who is a nutritionist, suggested Omega-3 1000mg per day, MSM supplement 1-5x a day, and most importantly Vitamin C 1gm, 2x a day. Due to my sensitive digestion I have not been talking any Vitamin C for years. I found a 2 stage release Vitamin C by Solaray, ans within a matter of weeks, my skin became stronger and more resilient. my bruises and healing time have improved by 100%. Ask your Dr how much to take, especially if you are sensitive to acid foods or drinks. I use 100% Aloe Vera Gel on my arms chest and legs, which is very moisturizing and healing as well
ArleneLouise replied to crobbin2's response:
Are there any updates on the thin skin causing severed bruising and skin tears due to inhaled steriod medications? Has anyone tried the Bionect Rx as noted above. I have so many scars from my skin tearing off on my hands and arms that I'm a mess. Also, people are constantly staring and some even ask, "what's wrong with you"? I am desperate to minimize the skin tears. I try to be cautious, but it happens with the slightest bump, even through long sleeves. If anyone has found a helpful solution, please let me know. Thank you so much!
ArleneLouise
ArleneLouise
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useAre there any updates on the thin skin causing severed bruising and skin tears due to inhaled steriod medications? Has anyone tried the Bionect Rx as noted above. I have so many scars from my skin tearing off on my hands and arms that I'm a mess. Also, people are constantly staring and some even ask, "what's wrong with you"? I am desperate to minimize the skin tears. I try to be cautious, but it happens with the slightest bump, even through long sleeves. If anyone has found a helpful solution, please let me know. Thank you so much!<br /> <br />ArleneLouise
abbymay16 replied to ArleneLouise's response:
ArleneLouise,
I wish I could say I have found a solution.
As to the folks staring I try to educate as often as possible that the bruising is due to the steroid use......especially to those people I see often so they now understand.
AS far as a solution--well like you I try to be extra careful but the slightest bump leaves behind big ugly bruises.And summer exacerbates the problem...too hot for long sleeves.
Arnica gel helps the bruising heal a bit quicker. I have discovered that a daily glass of cranberry juice really SPEEDS up the healing....it is loaded with Vitamin K which helps the blood clot....it will heal in a few days to a week vs several weeks (depending on the severity) if left alone. SO while it does not prevent the bruising it does seem to speed up the healing process which is at least something.
I realize thats not much of a solution but know you are not alone in this issue.
Mattie
Vive Bene, Spesso L'Amore, Di Risata Molto
(live well, love much, laugh often)
I wish I could say I have found a solution.
As to the folks staring I try to educate as often as possible that the bruising is due to the steroid use......especially to those people I see often so they now understand.
AS far as a solution--well like you I try to be extra careful but the slightest bump leaves behind big ugly bruises.And summer exacerbates the problem...too hot for long sleeves.
Arnica gel helps the bruising heal a bit quicker. I have discovered that a daily glass of cranberry juice really SPEEDS up the healing....it is loaded with Vitamin K which helps the blood clot....it will heal in a few days to a week vs several weeks (depending on the severity) if left alone. SO while it does not prevent the bruising it does seem to speed up the healing process which is at least something.
I realize thats not much of a solution but know you are not alone in this issue.
Mattie
Vive Bene, Spesso L'Amore, Di Risata Molto
(live well, love much, laugh often)
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useArleneLouise,<br /> <br />I wish I could say I have found a solution.<br /> <br />As to the folks staring I try to educate as often as possible that the bruising is due to the steroid use......especially to those people I see often so they now understand.<br /> <br />AS far as a solution--well like you I try to be extra careful but the slightest bump leaves behind big ugly bruises.And summer exacerbates the problem...too hot for long sleeves.<br /> <br /><b>Arnica gel</b> helps the bruising heal a bit quicker. I have discovered that a daily glass of <b>cranberry juice</b> really SPEEDS up the healing....it is loaded with Vitamin K which helps the blood clot....it will heal in a few days to a week vs several weeks (depending on the severity) if left alone. SO while it does not prevent the bruising it does seem to speed up the healing process which is at least something.<br /> <br />I realize thats not much of a solution but know you are not alone in this issue.<br /> <br />Mattie
EvaPam responded:
Hi Mattie,
it's not the hormones, it's the prednisone and is most distressing...I work and I feel like everyone looks at my arms which look like at 90 year old, which I'm not!!
Internist just look at them and say "how long you been on prednisone"?
I have an appointment with our dermo here in town, but not very hopeful.
Good luck to us.
EvaPam
it's not the hormones, it's the prednisone and is most distressing...I work and I feel like everyone looks at my arms which look like at 90 year old, which I'm not!!
Internist just look at them and say "how long you been on prednisone"?
I have an appointment with our dermo here in town, but not very hopeful.
Good luck to us.
EvaPam
Report This| Share this:thin skin and steroid useHi Mattie,<br /><br />it's not the hormones, it's the prednisone and is most distressing...I work and I feel like everyone looks at my arms which look like at 90 year old, which I'm not!!<br /><br />Internist just look at them and say "how long you been on prednisone"?<br /><br />I have an appointment with our dermo here in town, but not very hopeful.<br /><br />Good luck to us.<br /><br />EvaPam
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