Is there such a thing as "thin skin"?
Answers
As people grow older, their skin tends to become more fragile, and they lose the nice layer of fat that lies right under the skin, which used to protect them from bumps and bruises. Regarding your mother's skin issue, it is very common for this bruising to happen as people age. The "splotches" you speak of can be worse if someone is on a blood thinner (like Aspirin, Coumadin. or Plavix), which are commonly used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in older folks. Another medication that can do this is Prednisone, which can make the skin thin and cause bruising too. You can check with her health care provider to make sure if she is taking any of these medications that they are really necessary, especially if the bruising gets severe.
All that aside, you would like to know how to protect her skin and prevent these bruises. First, make sure her environment is uncluttered, as anything she bumps into will leave a mark (as you said). Second, you can cover her arms / hands with thick, long white socks with the toes cut out (make them like a glove) so that she can wear these around the house to protect her skin. These socks are effective, as they offer some additional cushioning, and they are washable and cheap. Third, if she uses a wheelchair or furniture routinely, make sure that any sharp parts are covered to protect her skin. Lastly, about her dog- make sure the dogs nails are trimmed to keep her from getting scratched.
i am only 53 and my skin does the same thing. doctor says "some people just do that". i moved to florida from arizona 9 years ago. my skin never did this in arizona.
I have the same problem with my arms, only below the elbows and the bruising or red spots last for weeks. I was raised in Florida in the sun continuously. I have just recently found Copper Peptide Serum and Emu oil and it works so good it is amazing. I was playing with my boyfriends dog and she won!! I knew the marks were going to last forever and I would have to wear long sleeves with the weather just getting warm but I tried the copper peptide and emu oil and could see a difference the next day. The horrible marks totally gone in a week not months. It it amazing stuff. I now use to every day to see if it will thicken the skin.
Glass2beads, now that you have been using Copper Peptide Serum and Emu oil have you noticed a difference? I have the same problem, mainly on on my fore arms as you, I can barely tap something and I get at least purpora and or tear my skin. It all really stated years ago after being on chemo and then tamxifen for 5 years, I am not back on chemo, my doctor has ran tones of blood test but does not find a reason for it. I believe that all the treatment I have has prematurely aged my skin, it appears like an 80 year olds skin at time, I am 51. Any help that you have had that you can share would be appreciated. Millieme
I may have a good answer for you. I also have very thin skin on my forearms and hands which bruises extremely easily. Being very upset that I constantly had to hide my arms with long sleeves, I researched "treatments to thicken skin", and I found that COQ10 seems to be a key ingedient. So I bought Avalon Organics COQ10 Ultimate Firming Body Lotion at CVS for $17. I've been applying it after my daily shower for about 3 months now - and very surprisingly, I think this lotion works. I haven't had one scrape or bruise the entire time. Yes, it's somewhat pricey, but after three months, I haven't used up the entire 8 ounce bottle. I think you should give it a try!
Thin skin in the elderly is quite a common occurrence, and Jennifer is right, it can be exacerbated by a daily aspirin, Plavix, or coumadin regimen (blood thinners) or by chronic use of prednisone for other conditions.
In addition to the loss of the fatty layer beneath the skin, one of the largest contributors to this tendency is actually chronic and lifelong accumulation of sun damage which causes breakdown of the elastic and resilient fibers of collagen and elastin in the skin's dermis layer. Additionally, these elastic fibers usually line blood vessel walls in the skin, so when sun damage accumulates, the vessel walls themselves are not as resilient, and can be more fragile, creating easy bruisability, even from no obvious known trauma.
A lot of this type of bruising (known by the nickname "senile purpura"--senile not referring to dementia, but just aging) can look scary to an outsider, but it does not mean an abnormal amount of trauma is occurring, just an abnormal response to regular everyday trauma.
In some cases, if it develops more suddenly after a blood thinner is added, the primary care physician may choose to decrease the blood thinner. Sometimes the combination of regular varicose veins in the area, and this fragile skin, can lead to more bleeding than expected. Don't be alarmed, but do call the primary physician to discuss options.
One thing to watch out for with an elderly, demented family member who may be on a blood thinner to decrease the risk of a clot, is the risk of an internal bleed that may occur due to a fall. This should also be discussed with the physician to make sure the patient is protected properly on both ends of the spectrum.
Millieme - I have used the Copper Peptide and Emu Oil for several months now and to be totally honest have not seen a huge difference. What I have found to be the best so far is AmLactin Moisturizing Body Cream. You can get it at any drug store. It has alpha hydroxy in it which makes the red marks disappear really fast but doesnt seem to help with building up the skin.
glass2beads - Alpha hydroxy is a very effective exfoliant for shedding the top layer of dry skin and revealing new healthier skin. But - is an exfoliant a good idea for thin skin? I'm thinking I need to thicken my skin, not make it thinner. As I said previously, I researched ingredients in lotions which would increase skin cell growth. The three I found were CO-Q10, copper peptides, and Vitamin C. The Avalon COQ10 cream I was using is expensive, so now I've switched to Nivea Skin Firming Moisturizer with Q10 ($10.50 at CVS). I have now gone four months with no new bruises - this is completely unusual for me! Hope this info is helpful---
I'm 62 & I also have the same problem,Thank you for sharing your stories, I will have to try these products myself,will let you know my results.thank you again Joyce4705
I'm 68 years old and started taking Plavix (one daily) about 8 years ago and almost immediately my arms bruised all over from the elbow down. I brought this to my internist's attention and he suggested that I start taking the Plavix every other day. What a difference. It was slow but they disappeared within a few months if I remember correctly. I still get real bruises, but nothing that I would interpret as being caused by Plavis. It's so much better. Ask your doctor.
I have this too and I'm 58, a far cry from 80! I am self conscious too and try to be so careful. My Dad had thin skin too in his early 50s. Wish I wouldn't have thrown away ny son's soccer socks, but I know I can still buy a new pair. Just worried this condition means something else.
YES I HAVE READ IT ALL AND WILL TRY SOME OF THESE LOTIONS I'M 58 LOOK 40 ( AND MY ARMS WITH THE BRUISES WHICH DIFFER FROM WEEK TO WEEK TO MED. TO SO BAD I LOOK LIKE A DALMATIAN WITH RED SPOTS ) SO LIKE I SAID LOOK 40 AND THESE DARN THINGS MAKE ME LOOK TERRIBLE OH SO VAIN AM I. WELL THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INPUT.
I am trying the Avalon COQ10, and have only been using it for a few days. I believe this stuff is going to work, because I already see a difference in my arms and hands. I am 56 yrs old, and have been dealing with this problem for a couple of years. As each year goes by it has gotten worse. I feel so fortunate as to have found this web-site. Thank you Cindyh for letting us know about Avalon COQ10!! At this point, I don't care how much it costs, as long as it works!!! And so far it seems to be making a change. Good luck to everyone that has this problem. I know how embarrasing it is to go out in the world with bruised hands and arms!
All this has been very helpful to me as well. I am only 53 and have had this very same condition for the last couple years. I am going to try all the above suggestions b/c so far, all I've done is live with it! I did go to Ulta and purchase some of the cover up make up for such things like this.(and rosea, tatoos...all of which I do not have) This has been very helpful in social situations where I need to wear short sleeves and not worry about it showing!Plus, it covers it rather nicely while it is healing. Mine only takes about a week to disappear, but by then, I've already hurt my skin and have another "red blotch" starting! I highly recommend DERMABLEND Professional Cover Cream. 1 oz. from Ulta. The price? Who cares as long as it covers? Not that bad though.$18?
Also, just this weekend, we were babysitting a puppy Bulldog..and, yep, you guessed it..now my arms have red blothes on them (from the elbow down only) from little bites and scratches. My husband bow hunts and wears protective gear to protect his forearms from the strings on the bow when he releases, he is going to Google tonight some bow hunting protective gear for my little forarms!I bet you can also go to Acadamy, Bass Pro, etc.
~ There are times I know what I am doing is a risk, and this will be a perfect time to try this protective wear out! Working out with weights last week, I left the gym only to see the rope I was pulling over my head w/weights on it must have rubbed my forearms, and left markes!~ So, this is a perfect example as to WHEN to wear this protective gear..plus playing with our pets! I will post back once I get them and have had a chance to try them out! I am really excited to have something to protect my forearms, as to try out your suggestions as well! Thank you all!
fyi...at times I have to be on Prendisone for Colitus. This is the only thing that is related to this condition, as far as drugs that I have taken...but, I really don't have to take Prednisone that often? I wonder if it has broken down the skin from the times I have been on it and it never repaired? Any thoughts?
I have had this condition since I was 51 (now 55). It only occurs from the elbows down to my hands. I barely bump into something and the skin not only gets the red bruises, but tears and bleeds and bleeds. People think I am being abused! LOL I am also on Humira self administered shots (previously was on Enbrel). Does anyone know if this can be a side effect? Can't really find anything definitive on Humira sites.
Hi everyone! I certainly can relate to this problem myself. I have my own organic Skincare company and many of my customers have had rounds of chemotherapy and radiation or have had long term sun damage-especially on the forearms. Unfortunately many of the drugstore products simply don't contain enough "actives" ( the ingredients that do the "heavy lifting") to make a difference. Skin does "thin" as we age especially if we do not build collagen. So, what to do? First, do start protecting your skin today. That means with both clothing like gloves if you are cleaning or working in the garden and long sleeves if you can tolerate them. Nike makes some terrific super thin shirts that breath but provide coverage and, thus, protection. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (or AHAs) exfoliates the skin and encourages the growth of collagen. But this is a LONG process-at least until you can actually see a change. Personally, I make sure that I am using a pH of 5-5.5 in all of my products. Why? That's the pH of skin. Anything above or below will cause over drying and you'll get tiny cracks and fine lines. So wash with a neutral pH cleanser and be certain to use a moisturizer several times each day. I like products with grape seed and/or jojoba oil. They absorb well because the molecules are smaller. You won't end up with that greasy feeling on the skin. Many drugstore products contain petroleum by-products. Personally I don't like them but most dermatologists would argue that there is nothing wrong with them. I happen to think they don't absorb well at all or require alcohol as an ingredient so the product does not feel like Crisco. And while we're on the topic of alcohol, do not use alcohol containing products on your skin. I am talking about rubbing alcohol. When you see different types of "alcohols" on the ingredient list, they have a different purpose and do not have the same drying effect. And finally, keep drinking water. Dehydration is visible on the skin. You may not need eight glasses but you're not a camel, either. Visit my site at www.circa60skincareinc.com where you can email me directly!
I just bought some Nivea Skin Firming Moisturizer with Q10 at WalMart for $8.47... they also have their generic brand Equate for $4.97..I'll be trying it and if it works I'll come back with a report.
can we say MEN O PAUSE !!!!
This is a genetic skin disorder that jumps out around the time of menopause and when men's hormones are out of whack too.
During this stage of life, most of us have horrible migraines, headaches and constant head pressure. Relief comes in the form of Excedrin, Imitrex, etc. making the skin even worse. I prefer relief from head pain. I am on bio-identical hormones which have helped diminished the migraines and hot flashes but not the thin skin.....bummer.
I am 56 and am covered head to toe with black blood blisters. I too use the Q-10 lotions and they do moisturize the skin so it can heal faster.....yeah instead of a month, now a couple of weeks or more, depending on the size of the tear or bruise.
The ONLY make-up that works for me is CM Leg Magic. It is waterproof and doesn't smear on your clothes. It lasts a long time. I use two shades to mix together to match my skin, and use a Q-tip to mix with and apply, then tap all around with your finger to blend in with surrounding area. It will last you about a year if you use it daily. The tube is large.
I am single and it's a bit embarrassing. They look at me like I have leprosy or something. But, I dun care, am happy as ME !
Love and happy covering chillinjoan
I HAVE STRUGGLED WITH THE THIN SKIN RED BLOTCHES FOR A LONG TIME..I HAVE DONE A LITTLE RESEARCH AND FOUND CQ10 IS VERY GOOD FOR THE SKIN AND COLLOGIN .
SO I CUT THE END OFF OF A Q10 CAPSUAL AND RUB IT INTO THE BLOTCH..AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS THE BLOTCH GETS YELLOW IN THE MIDDLE AND IN A FEW MORE DAYS IT GOES AWAY ALTOGETHER..I ALSO RUB SOME VIT E OIL ALL OVER AND THAT HELPS EVEN MORE..TOM
Today I was so frustrated at the bruises from just bumping my hands, I did a Google Search and found www.caring.com reference for geriatric purpura preventative treatment. I added Nivea Skin Firming moisturizer to my shopping list to try. My primary doc is an internist but hasn't suggested any solution. Some people look at the bruises and wonder if I'm living with abuse. I put bandaids over the wildly colorful ones on the backs of my hands. Thanks for the suggestions offered by caring readers willing to share solutions!
Thanks so much for speaking about this. I am 52 and have been tapering down from prednisone for a year. I usually don't care what my arms look like. I have to go to a dinner theatre tomorrow. lol I look like I have been beaten.
Going to look for long gloves later. I am NOT going to buy a new dress to impress anyone. Hope there are nice gloves out there that are cheap. Maybe a wrap? I'll have to see.
I am 67 and tell people I have 90 year old skin. Mine started getting very, very thin several years ago. Now I get the ugly bruises and skin tears on my arms and legs all the time. It doesn't help that I am a klutz and have 4 large dogs and 5 cats. To make matters worse my doctor recently put me on Plavix.
According to my dermatologist there is really nothing that can be done for this. As we age we lose the fat under our skin and it becomes very thin. There are also other causes but mostly once our skin thins it doesn't get thicker again. He told me to try Vitamin C cream but that doesn't seem to help me much.
I tried stretchy biking sleeves for protection but the elasticity bothered me at the top of my arm. Now I have found two places that have wonderful protective items for those who need something like that.
1) www.harmonycr.com has some wonderful beige terrycloth sleeves that I use casually and 2) www.dermasaver.com has some wonderful products to protect the both arms and legs. They don't look too awful either and are loads better than all the bruises and such.
I'm definitely going to try some of the creams recommended here also. Thanks!
I have never been a sun bather; so being in the sun a lot is not an issue for me. I am a cancer survivor (2x), but I did not have chemo or radiation. I am estrogen receptor negative meaning I could not take tamoxifin or other cancer deterring drugs. I was put on a super high dose of prednisone (60 mg/daily), and after 3 weeks my melatonin was almost nonexistent, or seemed that way. I ended up getting 1-2 hours sleep a night - this really did a job on me! I've also had spine injections using steroids. Perhaps the prednisone & steroids contributed my thinning skin? Regardless, I, too, am experiencing 80-year-old skin 20 years too early. I also am going to try the COQ10 and other products mentioned here. Thanks to everyone who contributed their information.
Wow and I thought I was the only one with super thin skin on my arms - thanks you all for the suggestions, I am definiately going to try the Avalon COQ10 Lotion.
I just found some new cream that, so far, seems wonderful. It is called CABOT P.O.L. Cream (pure omental lipids) and can be found at http://www.cabotskincare.com/ My arm and leg skin feels much more thick and healthy. I just got it this week so it will take some time to see if it has any lasting effect. I have ordered some beige Posey armsleeves at http://www.wrightstuff.biz/poar.html. These are carried in other places as well and some have Posey leg protectors too. I'm hoping these will look and fit better than the biking sleeves I have.
I have the same problem of red spots under my skin up to my elbows. I have rough dry skin since I have had chemo. It is almost as rough as sandpaper. If I rub lotion on my fore arms, unless I do it softly, then that even causes the red spots.
I recently bought some Coenzme Q10 serum because my chin was breaking out in pimples. The serum is in a small bottle with a stopper. I only have an eight inch long area on the top of my forearms that gets the spots so I have been using a drop of Coenzme Q10 serum on each arm in that area then putting a moisturizer on over it.
I have read that applying mouthwash will heal the red spots very fast too. I haven't tried it yet.
I was taking a full aspirin, but have cut down to one 81gram aspirin of a morning and one 81gram at bedtime, which is about half an aspirin. That and the cq10 has helped a lot. It seems that I don't get as many spots, they aren't as dark and they disappear quickly.
I have read all of the comments and advise. I am going to try them all!! I have become very depressed about my arm/hands thin skin. I wish I would have started caring about the condition years ago. But no time like the present. So here goes and I will let you all know if it works or at least helps.
Mary
5-15-12 -- Caring.com is a great site. All the discussions and advice were extremely helpful, so I want to support the effort by contributing. I am 79 and getting extra sensitive to scrapes and red blotches. I believe the steroid inhaler I need for asthma affects my skin and bones. To heal scrapes, Johnson & Johnson Tough Pads hydrocolloid adhesive patches are essential for me. They are a totally different way of healing so you have to try them to believe them. You can cut them smaller (not supposed to), and I have some band-aid size ones too but can't find the maker's name. I found the Cabot POL cream good for dryness but it contains many chemicals. Walmart's Equate cream sounds like the best option for cheapskate me; I'm about to order some and will report back.
5-16-12 -- The Posey armsleeves sounded good and I nearly bought some, but instead I cut the toes off an old pair of knee-high nylon hose and they fit my forearms perfectly. I plan to use them when doing yard work and after applying skin repair cream.
I am 54 years old, very active, go to the gym every day, jog, lift weights, etc. However, i get those blood spots on my forearms with the slightest touch. I was getting so embarrased and depressed. I tried that amlactin lotioin. what a miracle cream. I gets rid of those red marks fast. You apply it twicw a day. You won't really notice anything after the first day. But by the 4th or 5th day the results are amazing. It will slightly irritate very sensitive skin after using it for a week or two, but you just kind of lay off a little. The amlactin cream got rid of all the red marks. Then I am using the nivea c q 10 firming cream to toughen up the skin. It is working great. But you still need to be very careful about bumping yourself.That is just something we wil always have to be mindful of.
Have not seen any answer that mentions chlorella, which is an algae and a natural food in its own right. I get mine from Amazon, and a bag lasts a long time at a spoonful at a time in water. I first found out about chlorella from an elderly chinese fellow whom I asked about his really nice skin for his advanced age. Instead of shooting me, he told me about chlorella. Now I am old, and remembered. Chlorella is made in great quantities in Japan, where it is stored as emergency food for the masses in disaster times. Skin is just healthier, and bruises are faster to heal and harder to start.
7-5-12 -- I tried the Nivea skin firming body lotion on my arms, but not often enough to do a proper test. The ingredients sound good and it feels good on my skin, but it hasn't had a noticeable effect on my blotchy red arm bruises so far. The chlorella sounds good, and since I'm a supplement junkie I'll probably try some. On another skin topic, I can report that I removed the dark brown pigment from a small, flat mole on my face by applying apple cider vinegar to a bandaid every day and placing it over the mole for a week.
I am 54 and have thin skin, with lots of blotchy redness and rips. I was getting bad sores from just touching things like the corner of a cardboard box. I started using MUCH more moisturizer and sunscreen on my arms. I have been using vitamin E, and an oil I got at CVS called Bio-cell. Also my doctor prescribed Silver Sulfadiazine and it makes the sores heal extra fast. I have been pleasantly surprised because the wounds tend to become deep and get sore and infected. I can't even Use band aids as my skin rips with them!
7-22-12 -- I just discovered Tegaderm transparent skin protectors, which come in several sizes. Like the more opaque hydrocolloid type, the whole surface is adhesive and waterproof, and you leave it on for several days until the wound heals, which you can see right through the patch. I used them on shingles blisters and they are perfect, except I changed them in five days and took off some surface skin, but it was not painful as the adhesive is very gentle. I dabbed them with 3% hydrogen peroxide before applying fresh Tegaderm seals, and two days later they are still healing fine with no sign of infection. I also cut one in half to cover two scrapes I got on my shins from bumping into things. Complete directions are in the package and they are readily available in drugstores or online, but you need to look for the lowest prices.
Thanks for all the info on thin skin. I have had red spots and small cuts from cardboard at work. Working around boxes and counters with sharp edges , always getting scratched or stabbed by sharp corners. your workers start thinking your weird, because it doesn't happen to them... I thought I had some weird disease. but I went to dermatoligists they said its was from being in the sun to much when I was a teenager and maybe getting alittle older too:) So I will give these different lotions a try and let you know the results :)
I am a 61 yr old female that started getting red blood spots under my skin & tear easily also. I have always laid out in the sun with no protection. My Dr. said it's sun damage that causes the thinning due to collegen depletion. I recently started taking an aspirin a day for medical reasons & the blood spreads in a much bigger area now. Yes it's very embarrassing . One thing I found was that if you immediately massage the area you hit ( you need to do it fast though ) it doesn't bleed out. Just rub back & forth fast but gently. I'm going to get some coq 10 serum to try. Thanks. Maybe I can avoid getting them . I have found a product called AlphaDerma CE by Janson Beckett. it replaces the collegen & thickens the skin according to another website I went to looking up this problem. A few ladies tried it & says it's great. It's good to put on wrinkles on your face too. I rub it on my hands & bottom part of my arms 2 times a day.( a little goes a long way ) Try to do it when you don't need your hands in water. It's pricey but if it works it'll be worth it. I'll let you all know after I've used it for awhile if it's working.
hi, I am 54 yrs old and also started having bruises real easy all of a sudden.....the slightest bump will give me a bruise in my hands or forearms, anyhting will break my skin......well....after much thinking and reading....i figured out that in the last 2 yrs i haven´t been eating very good, lost a lot of weight.(money problems)...and with that....the layer of fat that protects me......so, for some people the solution might just be a better diet.......beyond my reach for now so i will have to try the coq10 cream at least for the healing....
I have tried BioSil capsules, a product of Belgium. It has built up the collagen in my lower arms and I have fewer red spots from a bump, etc. The recommendation is for 2 a day, but I have been taking only 1 a day. The blood was oozing from my forearms before as the skin was so thin. I have been on Prednisone for a few years, but am also 81 years old! It was purchased at Nutri-Chem pharmacy, is expensive, and almost a miracle product. Essential for collagen, bones and joints, and beautifies hair, skin and nails, it says on the container - and it is true for me. Look it up on the web. Ask your doctor if she knows of any downside to this choline-stabilized Orthosillicic Acid capsule.
I too have thin aging skin on my arms, both upper and lower. I am convinced that the skin on my arms started after using being on Arrimidex for a couple of years. I was on it for five years following a lumpectomy and radiation for breast cancer. No chemo though. My doctors said they hadn't heard of it causing skin problems but mine started then and kept progressing even after the treatment ended. (I started using it when I was 56. Now at 66, my arms look almost as bad as my 87 year old mother-in-law. I can't even wear short sleeves. I will try some of the products you all have mentioned. Thank you for some ideas.
9-9-12 -- Gloves in a Bottle has worked very well on my hands, so I plan to try it on my arms now that my skin is so fragile. It's easy to find on the internet if you want details and testimonials.
Two weeks ago I started taking COQ10 soft gels. Up to that time the slightest scratch or nick resulted in mass bleeding, infections and ending up with deep scaring. I've been going through this with what should be minor scratches for 3-4 weeks at a time. This last time I finally gave in and started taking antibiotic the infections were uncontrollable. Today I barely scratched my elbow (again) and, to my surprise, I only ended up with a very minute scratch that is barely visible. I am amazed!!!! Is it because of the COQ10? I'm hoping so, as I've not had this "slight nick" occur for 2-3 years now. I'll keep everyone updated, but today I'm thrilled, as I'm still in the process of healing other "bleeding scratches" from OVER two weeks ago.
I've caught up with the new postings and now have some more things to try. I'm going to get some CoQ10 cream today. I'm not sure how to tell what ph a particular skin product has though.
Circa 60 I have tried to go to your website, www.circa60skincareinc.com, but all I get is a screen indicating that it doesn't exist. If you still read these please send a corrected url. Thanks!
The correct URL is www.skincareinc.com, but circa 50 or 60 don't exist. Sorry.
For thin skin that was tearing we received samples of POL Cream. It worked pretty well and I bought it online from Cooperlabs. I used it all the time and it is not cheap -
An update to taking COQ10 for thin skin and massive infections due to "minor" scratches. I reported before that I started taking COQ10, 400 mg, once daily, and to this I've added Chlorella, 400 mg, 2X daily (1-a.m., 1-p.m.). I'm thrilled to report that yesterday I accidentally scratched my left arm, and it stayed just that - a scratch with minor bleeding. My skin did not rip or leave this massive blood bruised area that has been predominant requiring huge bandages to "try" to cover the area. I mentioned before that perhaps the COQ10 might be helping, and I do believe that to be the case. I added Chlorella, 400 mg, due to reading how that might help skin conditions, too. I've been taking the Chlorella for 3-4 weeks now along with the COQ10 - I am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED that COQ10 is absolutely working, and to me I'm just adding additional skin care with the Chlorella. The Chlorella is $11 plus change for 100 capsules at Vitamin Cottage, and King Soopers (Kroeger) has the COQ10 in bottles of "40" as a BOGO ($48 plus change). This is the cheapest COQ10 I could find, and the red capsules are larger than most capsules, but they go down easily. MANY, MANY THANKS to those who suggested both of these products. They are a "God-Send" for me. I hope this helps others, too.
ooooooook...like Dee said, when you do get a bump or scratch, immediately rub it vigorously for like a minute....it DOES HELP alot.
I am 57 and this all started with peri-pausal stage 10 years ago.
YET, THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT I HAVE FOUND IS THE BIO IDENTICAL HORMONES!
I have been on them for a year now and OH what a difference!!!! I have the skin I had 10 years ago. Now it's NOT helped any wrinkles but the thickness and bruising has been an unbelievable change. I can open a cereal box without worrying about getting scratched or skin torn when hitting something. It's take a long time to see the difference for the skin to build it building blocks back up, but it does work!
Expensive? I think so. I spend $90 a month for an every other day progesterone turquoise capsule, estrogen cream and even testosterone cream rubbed on inner thighs. All from a compound pharmacy store that Insurance will not cover.
I tried the synthetic first with no change whatsoever for a year.
OH, and I no longer get migraines either!
I have been sacrifices to afford them but so worth it. I feel better, more energy, stronger, happier and thicker skin!
WHOOOOHOOO!
JOAN
For what it's worth: I'm a 76 year old male who is very active, work full time, walk at least 3 miles a day, eat healthy foods and exercise every morning, . Several months ago i began having bruising on my arms and hands. I was also concerned about slowly losing body weight and upper body strength so every day I started having a protein drink with 8 oz of orange juice with 1 scoop (36 grams) of 100% whey protein powder (Cystosport from Costco) blended in. To my surprise in a few days the bruises were gone. I have been doing this for about 6 months now without bruises except for once when I didn't have my protein drink for about 3 days. When I resumed my drink the bruises again went away. I don't know why, but it works for me. (I'm shooting for living 100 years.)
One significant cause of this condition is very simple. I have endured bruising on my arms for years. Then one day my doctor changed my life. He asked me if I slept on my arms (essentially arms under the pillow sleeping on my stomach.) I said that I did and he said there is the cause of your problem. I find it uncomfortable to sleep any other way so I just wear long sleeve shirts and keep on rockin'. Remeber your physical condition cud be far, far worse. Just do what i do...tell people that your extra job is handsorting wolverines by sex. They will understand completely.
I noticed that my skin changed about 1 year after I had my last menstrual period. It is thinner, gets irritated easier, and takes longer to heal than before. My stress dermatitis is worse than before, and spreads more than it did before. Things change as we age..... and not always for the better!
coconut oil internally will thicken your skin. Had the same problem starting at age 40, not due to meds. Ugly, depressing & embarassing!!! Started taking 2-3 tbsp in coffee every a.m. for another problem. After several months it dawned on me my arm skin was thicker & not breaking open...lots of recipes here to get in your body good luck to all..http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/
I've continued taking COQ10, 450 mg, and definitely have improved arm/skin condition. I am VERY impressed with COQ10. I'm also taking chlorella capsules, one in a.m. & one in p.m. I still have dry skin and thinning hair. I am now going to also try the "BioSil" once I locate it. Sounds like this will add the final solution to dry, thin skin with the bonus of helping thinning hair. I'll let everyone now how it goes.
I'm 62 and have suffered this problem for nearly 5 years now. My skin below knee is the worst. I have had so many stitches where I have "bumped" into something but with my skin so thin it normally tears. Lower arms are as bad too tho not needed stitches. I wear sweatbands on my wrists when cleaning and also at work and it does help if you knock against something it acts like a buffer. Also cut feet from thick bed socks this is a good standby for in the home where no one see you!! I have had three visits to top skin specialists and sorry to be the bearer of bad news but no amount of creams will help this. Some people have it worse than others and yes certain medication worsens the problem. The only thing is to try and avoid situations where you'll get a knock.
I've had good luck with Arnica gel ('Arnicare') for reducing the healing time needed for scrapes and bruises. This gel cuts at least one week off my normal healing time. I first learned about it from my plastic surgeon when I had cosmetic surgery done. He told me to take Arnica pills for several days both before and after surgery in order to minimize bruising. I find Arnicare works best if I can apply it to my arm soon after the scrape occurs. It's not expensive, and I do recommend trying it.
Many thanks for recommending Amica gel. I plan to try that as well. My skin is doing so much better with my COQ10 & Chlorella - haven't tried the BioSil yet, but I'm going to. My skin does tear at all like it was before COQ10 & Chlorella, but I do bang myself up enough to use a first aid spray. Working on bushes, etc., I invariably snag something. With the above advice about Amica gel, once I locate that, too, I'll certainly try it. Can't hurt, and if it works for me like it does for Cindy, I look forward to that. Thanks for the suggestion.
I messed up in my last message. My skin does NOT tear like it did before - at all! Sorry about that. I get scratches, but no tearing....
I am 74 and I have had low platelet count for some time. At my age and on prednisone after a kidney transplant I bruise with any slight bump and they last for some time. As a result, the back of my hands are permanently stained from the blood pooling there after some bruising. Does anyone know if there are ways to bleach out or reabsorb that discoloration? It looks like the back of my left hand is deeply tanned and that area is constantly tender to the touch. Any help would be appreciated.
My Father has the same problem with his bruises 'pooling' blood under the skin. I keep him supplied with Arnica cream from the health food store. It is a homeopathic remedy that helps disperse bruising much more quickly than it normally would. Try not to rub it in too vigorously, as that may cause more blood to pool....
Thanks CA-Claire I will pick some up. Does he also have permanent discoloration from the pooling? It is sooooo embarrassing and I am asked repeatedly about "WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR HAND?" I would love to have it gone and at least start again with a fresh clean skin there. I tried bleach and lemon juice offered by some internet site but to no avail.
No, there's no permanent discoloration from the pooling. It just takes time to go away. My Dad is 91, and was out in a the sun a bit throughout his life, so he has some of the discoloration from 'liver' or 'age' spots, but not from the bruising. I buy the Arnica Cream made by Nelson's, I think it works a little bit better than the gels and other formulations out. I spend between $6-$10 a tube, depending on the size. Wish you luck Ken!
You can also use make-up while it's healing
Thanks for all the suggestions,especially the makeup idea but I am reluctant to fight my wife for dressing table space each morning. LOL My problem is this is a permanent discoloration and even when no current bruising is present, I still have the dark brown discoloration on the back of my hand(s) that NEVER goes away.
Hi Ken, What about hydroquinone cream, which lightens dark spots and discolorations on skin? You can find many brands and prices for the 2% OTC cream on Amazon. I've used this to gradually fade away sun (brown) spots on my hands, and it definitely works. (A doctor could give you a prescription for stronger 4% hydroquinone cream.)
Hi. I'm only 42 but spent between the ages of 13 and 20 on a sunbed almost daily. As a result my skin is very leathery and thin already. I am extremely distressed by this, particularly as face is very affected. I worry about future and want to start protection now. Coq10 and chlorella seem popular choices. Can anyone advise re whether aha exfoliation is advisable for already thin skin? Any experiences of this would be helpful. Any advise in preparation for menopause would be good. I also heard wakame seaweed is good for building collagen. Worth a try!
Hello, I have some topics for you to research on Google. The gold standard ingredient for reversal of sun damage is Retin A, so look up Renova/generic Renova, which is a prescription Retin A moisturizer which I use on my face every other night, with absolutely fantastic results. It's available cheaper online from Canadian pharmacies and even cheaper with no prescription required from medicinesmexico, which is where I order my generic Renova. Another site to research is Paula's Choice, which sells both AHA and BHA exfoliation/moisturizer creams for the body. The two I like which have really helped to exfoliate and even out the skin tone on my legs and arms are Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10% AHA and Resist Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA. I hope these ideas are helpful for you! P.S. Be sure to research Retin A!
