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old age bruises

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Kiwiqueen123 Sat 27-Jul-24 15:59:34

I've read that as we get older just the slightest touch almost can produce a bruise on the arms/legs as the skin becomes thinner in these areas. I have this problem now and I'm late 70's. I have a very pale skin, possibly "irish" skin, and I often have bruises on my hands and sometimes lower arms too. Doesn't take much for them to appear and they are very unsightly until they go. Anybody else suffer from the same. I've tried Arnica but that doesn't seem to be very effective. Think I need to wear thick household gloves and maybe that might help but makes doing the household chores more difficult.

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Callistemon213 Sat 27-Jul-24 16:39:45

Do you have to take blood thinners, Kiwiqueen?

They can exacerbate the problem.

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Ilovecheese Sat 27-Jul-24 16:40:26

I also have very pale skin and find that my fingers bruise at the slightest opportunity, they can look rather creepy sometimes, but they don't last long fortunately.

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Kiwiqueen123 Sat 27-Jul-24 16:47:47

No, no blood thinners.

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Callistemon213 Sat 27-Jul-24 16:55:57

Have you tried taking good vitamins?

I think vitamins A and C are particularly good for thinning skin.

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Thoro Sat 27-Jul-24 17:12:50

If you've suddenly started bruising easily may be worth having a word with your doctor.

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silverlining48 Sat 27-Jul-24 17:23:55

My dh has this problem. He saw the dr who said it’s very common as we age. Always on his hands arms where he must have knocked himself even though he can’t generally remember doing it.

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keepingquiet Sat 27-Jul-24 17:47:58

Yep. I was on steroids for years and this caused thinning of my skin. Even though I'm off the steroids my skin will not get better. I am permanently bruised, they do heal pretty quick though and I don't worry about it so much anymore.

Sometimes in summer I wear wrist protectors as this is the most vulnerable area for me.

I now take Vit C supplements as it promotes skin healing but I think it will just be what it is.

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