Polymyalgia

Posted , 12 users are following.

Steroids make my skin thin and easily damaged. how to avoid hurting myself? The 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hello daphne, firstly, with PMR it's a good idea to slow things down. Many of us suffer from fatigue which can be a symptom of PMR, and then the steriods too can weaken our muscles so to avoid episodes of extreme fatigue and muscle aches we are advised to slow up some!

    so if we slow up some hopefully that deminishes the risk of knocking our selves about too much.

    as for the thin skin, keep it well moisturised. You don't need to buy an expensive product but any body lotion and face cream will do. Hopefully that will help hydrate the skin keeping it supple and less likely to crack and sore. Regards, tina

  • Posted

    I have huge thin skin problems mostly due to genetics, partly due to warfarin and partly due to prednisone.  I just found "arm protectors" from Amazon that are not too hot to wear- sort of like stretchy nylon tights for the arm- in white and black.  Just knowing what to call them is half the battle.

         Sometimes I wear half finger bicycle gloves and long sleeves instead.  It is hard to find 100% cotton long sleeves however.  

         Other thoughts are baby bumpers to put on the corners of furniture- haven't tried that myself however.  I pinch my fingers or bash my hand in unexpected places.

  • Posted

    This many sound funny, but, I find it helpful and kind of nice...

    I actually read in a book about painting from a renown artist.  He said move with grace, like a symphony. So now I apply that to all when I remember.  Move gracefully, with intention, slow down, be mindful.  

    Even today I feel clumsy, I hit my hand on cabinet, ouch.  Then I remembered, move with grace, ahhhh.  wink 

    I don't get in a hurry.

     

    • Posted

      Ah, but Layne, some of us are born klutzes.  My future husband, when we were courting, used to call me Crash.  This is why when my doctor worries about my bones I'm a bit more laid back because if they were really fragile I'd be in little pieces by now!

      Be graceful, I'll keep telling myself that.   biggrin  

  • Posted

    If you come up with a way...please share it.....I look like somebody

    that has been in a awful fight all the time.  I already have skin

    that has lost elasticity due to aging and now pred.......I have a low

    back problem so am unsteady on my feet and a little clumsy.

    I find spots that I didn't know I had bumped.   I do agree that keeping

    moisturizer on arms and legs helps but just have to live with it.

  • Posted

    I know how feel. My dog wagged his tail and hit my leg a few weeks ago and I still and still have a huge blood Mark. I have tried everything but I guess we just have to put up with it. X
  • Posted

    Daphne, thinning and easy bruising of the skin is one of the most common side effects of steroids.  I lost track of how many bruises and grazes I had during my early steroid days until by chance I tried a moisturiser recommended by my podiatrist on my body as well as my feet!  It is called Double Base and comes in a tube or a large drum.  It is available at most pharmacies either over-the-counter or on prescription, although the surgeries in my area have recently stopped supplying it on prescription.  When my skin was at its worst, I even applied it all over before getting in the shower although a shower mat is essential as otherwise it can be a bit slippery underfoot.  Also I stopped showering every day and had strip down washes on alternate days.  Using only natural products is a must to avoid the harsh ingredients in some of the products.  I'm sure it will be a comfort to know that your skin will improve once off steroids if my experience is anything to go by. 

    • Posted

      There is a product called Arnica Gel which is supposed to be

      for pain but it's also for bruising....Rub it into spots 2-3

      times a day and it makes them fade in about half the usual

      time.   No miracle cure but they fade faster.  It's not

      expensive.

    • Posted

      Thanks faye, yes I omitted to mention that, apart from the Double Base Gel moisuriser, I got through many tubes of arnica - and I agree, excellent for bruising. 

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