Thinning skin

[smcptc]

12 years ago, I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica.  The only help I could get was from prednisone. I was on 20 mg/daily for about 5 years.  I am now 63, in excellent health and people think I am only in my late 40's.  The skin on my forearms has become VERY thin.  I currently have a 1 inch x 2 inch lesion which was caused by a bump,  all of the skin in that area just peeled back and it bleeds profusely.  I also have many large spots of blood under the skin.  This only occurs on my forearms.  Is there something I can do to make the skin tougher.

[dlhay]

Everyone, It is not totally true that nothing can be done about thinning skin. No matter what age you are. Go to your GP and ask for Retin-A. You may need to go to a Dermatologist to get this, it is primarily administered by prescription in the US. But some of the high-end cosmetics have retin A in them. Give a 6 week shot and let me know what your results are. Good Luck..!!

[dlhay]

Everyone, It is not totally true that nothing can be done about thinning skin. No matter what age you are. Go to your GP and ask for Retin-A. You may need to go to a Dermatologist to get this, it is primarily administered by prescription in the US. But some of the high-end cosmetics have retin A in them. Give a 6 week shot and let me know what your results are. Good Luck..!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

As they age, many people develop easy bruising on the hands and forearms.  Even minor trauma can cause a purple bruise or tear.

The prednsiione you took years ago is no longer involved in "thinning the skin."  I would ask your doctor whether you have any current condition which would make your skin more fragile.

If you have no such condition--and I expect you don't--then it's just a matter of age, and except for avoiding trauma when possible, there really isn't anything I know of which you can do.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff