Comments for Thin skin that bruises and bleeds....Please help!

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Nov 08, 2011
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thin skin
by: Anonymous

Hi, I have thin skin bruises and could bleed to the touch.

Hi,

Thanks for your email regarding thin skin that bruises easily or even bleeds when hit. As you can see from this forum thread.....you're not alone with this condition.

Many times this condition can be a side effect of taking specific medication (like blood thinners, arthritis medication, antiinflammatory medication (even over-the-counter asprin), prednisone, and more...).

Other times, it's just related to general aging. As we age our skin gets thinner due to slower collagen production and our capillaries and blood vessels get weaker......these two factors can cause one to bruise quicker and easier.

Some research suggests that a vitamin C and K supplements can help. However, be sure to always check with your doctor before taking any supplements especially if you're on blood thinners.

Either way, make sure to mention this problem to your doctor - especially if you take medication or supplements.

P.S. You want to consider taking Biosil too. It helps support healthy joint, capillaries, arteries, cartilage, tissues, skin, hair, and nails. You can read more about it here:

Biosil.

May 12, 2011
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Thin Skin and NATTOKINASES
by: Ruby

I just realized while reading all the comments and answers, that even though i do not take any drugs ... i do take a supplement called NATTO (which is supposed to prevent strokes - it eats clots) and my dentist has always complained that hubby and i bleed like stuffed pigs ! Natto is a natural BLOOD thinner to boot.

So, a WARNING ! If you are taking NATTO daily, bump it down to maybe 2 times a week and see if the bleeding thin skin stops - I'm going to
lessen it ! And, I am going to rub whale oil on my arms every night + do the Avalon cream.

Ruby
p.s. Now that i think of it, i had skipped my supplements for awhile and didn't have near as much of this thin skin bleeding. Tonight i had an itch on my arm and scratched it - now i have a 2 x 3" area that is red/blood. I just went back to daily supplements 2 weeks ago.

p.p.s. How is it that I can SO MUCH fat on my but at my age, and so little under my arm skin ?????
I am 62 with no facial wrinkles, born of a mother who at 40, her wrinkles had wrinkles!
Oh well.

Hi Ruby,

Good point, many people who take medication may not realize the affect it has on the skin. Also, many types of medication and supplements for cardiovascular health can have a thinning effect --- which may cause one to bleed more easily.

However, I wouldn't recommend anyone reduce or stop their medication without their doctors approval first.

Jan 31, 2011
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Thin Skin from Chemo?
by: Glenda

Are my hot baths causing this and could my chemotherapy on 2004 have caused mine? Or is it just age? I am 59 years old.

My mothers skin did the same. My lower arms are the worse. Bleed just getting clothes out of the washer or working around the house. I can have a long sleeve on and the dog put his paw on me and I started to bleed.

The sleeve thing doesn't help. I don't even think gloves will help much. I can thump myself and make one.

I will try the mentioned biosil and vitamins and creams. Any additional advice?

Hi Glenda,

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much of a solution for this problem.....which surprises me considering how many people suffer from it.

Like stated before doctors say there is no cure for this situation and there are many factors that cause thin skin - including drugs, medications, hormone deficiency and just plain aging.

The best thing you can do is try to keep your skin healthy through good diet and supplements.

There is one suggestion that Rick made in the comments below. There is a website called Arm Chaps which can help protect your skin while you're doing chores. Visit www.armchaps.com

These chaps are made for people who bruise and cut easily. Good luck - I hope this helps.

P.S. I wouldn't take baths in water that is very, very hot. As good as it feels, very hot water is drying to the skin.......especially older skin that has a hard time keeping in moisture. And, make sure you apply a good moisturizer right after your bath...while you're skin is still damp.

Jan 04, 2011
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THIN SKIN WITH BLEEDS
by: Anonymous

I cannot believe how many people have this problem!! I am so happy that I came on this site and finally see that there is help after all!! Nothing can touch my arms without them tearing and bleeding...I swear it looks like I've been in a fight with a tiger all the time!!

I am NOT on steroids all the time but do take it occasionally when needed for bronchitis or a back condition. This tearing and bleeding has just started happening about 6 months ago and I don't have enough long sleeve shirts to hide these horrible tears...it's really driving me crazy!!

I will start on the regiment of these advised vitamins right away. Thank you so much. I'll let you know if they work. Carole

Hi Carole,

Yes, I'm also surprised how many people suffer from this condition. And, it's not just due to steroid use, but often happens due to aging.

While doctors say there is no cure, diet can play a part in keeping your skin healthy. I also believe that as we age we tend to have more issues with absorbing nutrients. So consuming extra good protein and even supplements may help.

Also, thinning of the skin could be due to a hormone deficiency..... (like estrogen and testosterone).

Please Note: if you are taking any medications or have any health issues, make sure you speak to your doctor before taking any supplements recommended here on this site or anywhere else on the web.

Thanks

Nov 22, 2010
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prevention of bruising
by: Rick

Each and everyone of you need to look into a product called Arm Chaps. See it, and understand all its wonderful benefits at www.armchaps.com

Thanks Rick. Well, that's one suggestion for those who cut and bruise easily.....

Sep 11, 2010
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thin skin that tears easily and itches underneath
by: Jimmy

I am here for my grandmother who has been to doctors,specialist to find out what is wrong with her skin,"but no one can tell her what she has. The symptoms are: very thin skin like toilet paper which bruises and bleeds easily,itches under the skin -so scratching doesn't help only tears skin. This started on her legs and arms a couple years ago and now it's moving to other parts of her body-blood veins,vericose veins are all over her now-real bad on her legs. She only has one adrenal gland now and she also has loss of strength. Thank you very much for this page and to all the suggestions and to everyone who has commented because my grandma feels very alone and confused about this as well. If anyone knows please let me know.

Hi Jimmy,

I'm sorry to hear of your grandmothers condition. As you can see from these posts - thin, bruising, tearing skin is very common.

One of the main causes of this condition - in addition to general aging - is from using steroids. The most common one is Prednisone.

You said your grandmother only has one adrenal gland. Her skin condition could be due to taking corticosteroids for that condition.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones that the body naturally produces in the adrenal glands. Unfortunately, there really isn't too much that can be done to undo the damage.

Check with her doctor to see if it's OK is she tries some supplements like vitamin K and BioSil. These two supplements could help strengthen the skin and reduce the chance of bruising.

Sep 06, 2010
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Worried
by: Nancy from PEI

I have recently had problems with blood under the skin and tears easily and bleeds a lot. This only began last year around the time I began using the puffers Flovent and Ventolyn for Asthma. I was also on a lot of creams for psorsis which I gather has cordisone in it, I'm not sure though. I was only on prednesone for 5 days in all my life.

The only areas so far are my arms and front of my hands.

One of my doctors did mention taking Vit C because I am on 81 mg of aspirin and another medication which acts similar to aspirin.
I will be seeing my doctor soon, who in the past, said not to worry about it but I brushed my arm against a dresser while passing and my skin tore, bled and blook under the skin (looks like I was in an accident). Ugly for sure. I will keep reading some of the comments as I don't know anyone else who has this problem. I am 61 yrs. old.

Hi Nancy,

Tearing skin and bruising easily is very common for all of us as we age. Lack of collagen production is one of the main reasons.

Vitamin K and Biosil can certainly help. Check with your doctor to make sure these supplements won't interfere with your other medication.

Jul 05, 2010
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Thin skin on arms that bleeds and bruises
by: Anonymous

I am a 59 year old woman whose skin on the forearms and hands is so think that just knocking an arm against a cupboard is enough to tear a thin flap of skin and cause a hugh mark, like a blood blister.

After it stops bleeding, the mark will turn into a big bruise that takes a couple of weeks to go away. Even putting a bandaid over the wound will make marks where the bandaid sticks. It's driving me crazy as people are always looking at my arms and asking what I did to myself - suspiciously though. I know they're wondering if I am a victim of abuse.

I have talked to doctors and they say I just have think skin, there's nothing I can do. After going on the internet, I see that a lot of people with this problem are on prednisone or have rheumatoid arthritis. I have never been on prednisone and, as far as I know, I don't have any disease causing this problem. Is there anything I can do? At this rate I won't have any skin left by the time I really am old.

Hi there,

Yes, as you can see you're not alone with the thin skin problem. And, it seems more prevalent in women than men.

I'm sorry to hear that your situation is so bad, that even a bandaid causes skin tears! I do have a few suggestions for you.

First, get your hormones tested. There might be some connection between thin skin and low estrogen/progesterone levels.

Low estrogen causes a reduction in collagen and elastin production, reduction of water-holding proteins, and reduced oil gland function resulting in less oil production. Click here Peri-Menopause Symptoms.

Also, you should consider taking BioSil. Women who took 10 mg of BioSil showed a 30% improvement/reduction in shallow wrinkles and a 55% improvement in skin elasticity and reduction brittle nails and hair.

Finally, try to take vitamin C and K.... to help prevent bruising.

I hope I was able to provide some help for you. I can't imagine how you must feel having these marks and bruises all over your skin. Please let me know how you do. Especially if you try the BioSil.

Linda

Jun 27, 2010
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Very thin skin in the tropics
by: Ana

Hello,

Thank you for this wonderful page. I don't feel alone anymore.

I'm a 36 years old woman from Costa Rica. In my teens I took corticosteroids for more than 15 years, first orally for my asthma, and when asthma disappeared an eczema developed and I started using corticosteroids creams. I stopped using them when I was about 30 (luckily I found a great homeopath). However, the skin of my legs and hands is very thin and wrinkled. Doctors have said that my skin looks very old, cracked and uneven and that they can almost see through my skin. They have always prescribed medicated lotions, but these are just a temporary relief. I can never wear shorts or go to a swimming pool because it really looks bad. Also, my hands are always super dry, itchy, cracked and sometimes bleed.

I would like to try Biosil, but I'm afraid it will be difficult to find it in my country. Is there another alternative in case I don't find it here?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Hello Ana,

Yes, you are not alone with this thin skin problem....It's really a shame how many people suffer from this.

Unfortunately, I don't know of any alternative to BioSil. The one I recommend ( Natrol's BioSil) is the only one that has been tested and use in all of the studies.

You can contact the company that sells it Life Extension Foundation because they ship this product world wide.

If it's not allowed to be shipped to Costa Rica, they will tell you. I use to work there as a health advisor and I don't remember this product having any problem getting shipped to other countries.

Also, you can try to consume good protein (that helps keep the skin healthy) and if you can get it in your country, vitamin C and Vitamin K. Both will help with skin integrity.

I hope I was able to provide some help to you Ana. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

May 26, 2010
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Thin skin
by: Colleen

I am a 46 year old women and I have never taken Prednisone, yet I have this skin problem on my arms. I am very active which makes the problem worse.

Is there any kind of rubber type sleeves that I can buy and wear when I am moving around quickly and may bump into something?

Hello Colleen,

In addition to taking Prednisone, there are many other factors that contribute to thinning skin like:

- Aging, as we age our skin becomes thinner and loses a that fatty layer that cushions your blood vessels against injury.

- Medical conditions, like certain bleeding disorders like amyloidosis.

- Genetics, believe it or not thinning skin can be hereditary. So if your parents or grandparents have this condition, chances are you will too.

- Sun exposure, too much sun exposure destroys your elastin fibers and collagen which causes your skin to become fragile.

I'm not aware of rubber sleeves, but just wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts - especially when you're going to working around the house or garden can really help.

Also, make sure to reduce sun exposure and always wear a sunscreen. And keep your skin moisturized and use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil.

May 18, 2010
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Me Too
by: Bill

I am 61, male, asthmatic, marathon runner, and I have the thin skin. It tears easy, especially on my left arm. I am on steroids and have been for 15 years. This is very helpful. thank you!.

I'm glad this information was helpful to you Bill.

In addition to using a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil - which you can get at your local drug store - consider drinking protein shakes to increase your protein intake

Also, try to keep your left arm covered with long sleeves when working - like in the yard, etc.... to prevent further damage and tearing to the skin.

And, don't forget to take your Biosil.

Apr 26, 2010
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HELP!
by: starbuckssteve

I just read this article because I was researching these symptoms for my husband. He is 51 years old in general good health other than having to take Synthroid (thyroid) medication.

Over the last month we have noticed the skin on his arms and legs getting VERY thin and little blood blisters forming. Starting about two weeks ago he started to getting major swelling in his arms and legs. The swelling is going down a bit and then it flares back up. As this swelling has been going on of course his skin has been very tight, dry, itchy and generally irritated. He is not on any steroids or anything like I have seen others post about in this article.

His skin is now itching him and when he scratched the irritated area his skin started peeling off like rice paper and bleeding. He refused to go to the E.R. and he is in terrible pain. This IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS.. THIS IS A FAST ONSET OF PROBLEMS. If anyone has any idea what this could be I could use some advice on this immediately.

Hello,

Wow, sorry to hear about your husbands terrible skin condition. If this was a slow, on going process, it can be chalked up to the normal aging process - due to low collagen and elastin.

In addition, to slowly replacing collagen through BioSil, using a moisturizer twice a day can help keep your skin protected and prevent tearing - because thinning skin and dry skin often go hand in hand.

Also, stop using harsh soaps - gentle cleanser like Cetaphil can help preserve the natural oils in the skin, protecting it from further damage.

Finally, eating a diet high in protein can help keep the skin strong and allows it repair quickly when a tear develops.

But, since what you're describing sounds like a sudden onset of skin tearing/drying AND this happening without steroid abuse - this sounds serious.

Even if someone can tell you what it "could be" - your husband really needs to see a physician to find out what is going on with his body and to get possible medication.

Please don't wait any longer....take him to his doctor immediately. This sudden symptom is not a sign of skin aging....especially at his age. 51 years old is not old.

Good luck to you and your husband, I hope all works out well......

Dec 17, 2009
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Help I look terrible
by: Sandy

I'm 63 year old and the skin on my legs and arms is so thin that even if i just touch something i'm bruised or my skin tears and bleeds. Takes forever to heal and then I'll get another one before it even heals. My legs keep getting worst ever year.The bottom of my legs are now discolored and constantly bleeding. It makes no difference when I wear jeans if They touch anything they bleed....HELP

Oct 09, 2009
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You are better off drinking water or beer than buying biosil
by: Beer, water or Biosil?

According to a recent European Food Safety Authority study into the safety of choline stabilised orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA, the active ingredient of Biosil), this ingredient is most readily available to humans from natural drinking water or beer. While the long-term safety of ch-OSA in low dosage is not in doubt, its effectiveness as a food supplment has yet to be scientifically proven. Conclusions: if you feel you need silicon supplements, get them effectively and cheaply from drinking more water or beer....... (Read the EFSA report here: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/BlobServer/Scientific_Opinion/ans_ej948_Choline_stabilised_orthosilic_acid_op_Updated_en.pdf?ssbinary=true)

Oct 07, 2009
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thin skin
by: Anonymous

flaxseed oil used topically is a great help for thinning skin but make sure the oil is new and refrigerated and sold in a dark bottle. also try taking 3 collagen capsules orally daily.
----------------
Thanks for your suggestion. In reference to collagen capsules, the body cannot absorb collagen via supplements.

However, you can take choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid which is the building material your body needs to make collagen. Not only is this helpful for thicker stronger skin, but for hair, nails, and joints too.

My hair and nails grow like crazy when I this...that's the first sign you'll see when start taking it. The only brand that has been tested in hundreds of studies is BioSil.

I put a few drops in morning juice everyday...

Thanks,
Linda, Admin Wrinkle Free Skin Tips

Aug 24, 2009
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skin bleeding
by: gruta

I am 57 years old and my skin is not sun-damaged. However, I experience excessive bleeding from the smallest scratch on my left forearm, and it takes forever to heal. My left arm looks like I have a contagious disease. I work in customer service, people stare.
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Hi Gruta,

There could many reasons why your skin bleeds so easily from the smallest trauma or scratch. Blood thinning medications and certain diseases like Leukemia can cause this. Be sure you mention this to your doctor just to rule out anything serious.

On the other hand, this is a common problem as we get older - usually due to thinning skin and weakened capillaries that become fragile and burst easily from the slightest bump or scratch.

As a health advisor for over 25 years, I've done a lot of research on this topic -- as it was one of most frequently asked questions. Many years ago I came a across a simple, all purpose supplement called BioSil which contains choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid.

The body needs orthosilicic acid to make collagen and elastin, therefore it is excellent for thicker stronger skin, hair and nails. And it helps to strengthen arteries and capillaries (which is good for the heart too).

It also helps promote stronger bones and joints.

I would suggest you start taking it to help not only thicken your skin, but strengthen your capillaries too.

There are hundreds of studies on this product -- you read more about it detail and see the study results here at this link... BioSil Studies and information.

While the process of thicker healthier skin takes time (6-9 months) - the first thing you will notice is that your hair and nails will grow faster.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

Linda, Admin Wrinkle Free Skin Care Tips

Aug 06, 2009
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I need help too!
by: Anonymous

I'm in my early 60's and have had an ongoing problem with skin that bruises and bleeds easily.I am already taking high doses of vit c....I take the one with bioflavnoids as recommended by my Dr. I also just added vit. k. As well, I'll add the other suggestions......In the meantime, what helps me the most is a COLD IPL laser treatment that my local Merle Norman store offers. Its a little expensive but worth it. It cuts the healing time. If I don't have time or money for these treatments I use mineral makeup which my makeup lady matches to my arms and hands as they are darker than my face. This is a good quick fix. Of course not with a white outfit.

The other thing that I think helps is arnica......both topical and oral.
I'm going to figure out how to fix this......I'll let you know.
Judy lee................GOOD LUCK! let us know if you have any other ideas to share.
--------------------
Hi Judy,

The Arnica is a good idea. Also, consider BioSil. It not only helps to strengthen hair, nails and skin, but it strengthens your veins and capillaries. This is could be why you're bruising.

In addition to thinning skin - that we all get as we age - our capillaries become fragile and burst easily when they are hit, which is why you bruise easily.

BioSil helps to strengthen the both of them. It's also good for your heart and bones because it helps to strengthen your connective tissues. There have been numerous studies supporting this fact.

You can read more about it here... BioSil

Thanks,
Linda, Admin Wrinkle Free Skin Tips

Apr 07, 2009
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thin skin help
by: pabybee

My husband's skin on his forearms peels back and bleeds with the slightest touch; skin that grows back is different color; can't stand sunlite to hit his arms.

Hi,
Has your husband been taking prednisone or cortisone? These steroids are used to treat inflammation, but the side effects include thinning of the tensile strength of the skin resulting in thin skin that bruises and bleeds easy.

Three vitamins/product that I would highly recommend are:

Vitamin C - at a minimum of 1,000 mgs in divided doses. If you take it all at once, you?ll just waste it as most of it will be excreted from the body. Divide the doses up throughout the day. Vitamin C helps build collage from within, but you need to take high doses. An easy way to start is get 500 mg capsule or tablets and take one with each meal or at three separate times of the day - morning, afternoon, night.

BioSil -- This is a MUST!! BioSil is scientifically proven to increase an essential amino acid (hydroxyproline) that your body needs to produce collagen. This not only helps to strengthen the skin, but capillaries, connective tissues and joints as well.

And be careful what of product you buy. This BioSil is the only brand that contains this biologically active form of silicon.
that was used in studies.

Vitamin K - Vitamin K keeps the arteries pliable and strong and helps to prevent bruising. You can take the supplement, but also remember you can get vitamin K easily from vegetables even lettuce!!

I hope these suggestions were helpful. Keep in mind this is a slow long process, but you should be able to see some results in about 6 months. In the meantime, keep your skin covered to help protect it against further bruising and tearing. Let me know how your progress goes??if you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Linda, Admin
P.S. If you're under a doctor's care or taking any medication, it is important that you inform your doctor of any supplements you're taking.

Feb 01, 2009
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where can I buy biosil?
by: Helen

Hi,

I couldn't find biosil at my local health food store. Where can I get it?

Thanks,
Helen
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Hi Helen,

You can purchase it online from Life Extension. Click on this link:
Biosil

Linda, Admin

Feb 01, 2009
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Thin skin that bruises
by: Anonymous

I am 73 years old and I have been on aspirin for 13 years. I tend to sleep on my stomach and lay on my arms under the pillow causing bruising. I have bought some bubble packing sheet and intend to cover my arms in order to see if that would help. Have tried to sleep without my arms under pillow with little success.

Teresa
--------------------------------------------
Hi Teresa,

Let us know how that works for you. I'm sure many of us are curious. Thin skin and bruising is a real common problem for many folks over 50 years of age....even for those who don't take blood thinning medications (prescription or over the counter).

It's a good idea to consider taking something to help strengthen arteries like BioSil. Researchers and scientists from the University of Brussels in Belgium, and UCLA have proven that the main ingredient in BioSil helps support healthy skin arteries, joints, connective tissues, hair, nails, and cartilage.

In a 20-week double-blind study involving 50 women (ages 40 to 65) with signs of sun-damage and premature aging of the skin, the group who took BioSil experienced 30% improvements in shallow, micro wrinkles and 55% increase in skin elasticity and a significant reduction in brittle nail and hair.

BioSil is the only brand that contains this biologically active form of silicon used in studies.
.

Read more about BioSil.

Jan 03, 2009
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Wow, thanks - I have the same problem!
by: Kathy

Hi Carmen,

I have had the same problem after taking prednisone for arthritis for years. All my doctor could tell me was to take vitamin K which I think has helped a little, but I wasn't taking it everyday.

The skin on my face makes me look so much older than I really am and I'm getting tired of wearing long sleeve shirts in the summmer!!

I wanted to get a laser face peel, but the doctor said my skin was too fragile and thin and wouldn't heal right.

Thanks for the great answer Linda, I'll try your suggestions.

Regards,
Kathy

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