skin so tough a needle has a hard time piercing it

[ninjenise]

For the last few years, whenever I get an IV placed or have an injection, the nurses comment on how tough my skin is and how difficult to get the needle to pierce the skin.  The last flu shot I had the needle bounced out and she had to jab me again!  I'm not that muscular, and I'm female, have no idea what would cause this.
Thanks
jenise

[mybuddyrobin]

I have the same thing and I have no skin disease.  I find it is harder when I am dehydrated (forced by dr. on some procedures).  I have Rhuemetoid disease and fibro and have always been a hard stick. Today the nurse slid the needle along the skin (just under, ) but not to the vein on back of my hand -ie. Very thin skin and easily see vein.  So she had to go for vein on inner wrist, ugg painful, for my IV.

I tood would like to know why my skin is tougher (I have very soft skin no lesions, no redness...but perhaps it is healthier skin rather than thin skin like elderly patients have)

[ninjenise]

Hi.  I wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer my post.  I really appreciate it.  
jenise

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If there is any appearance of a rash like dry skin or fish like skin then the possibilities of psoriasis and icthyosis should be ruled out, otherwise it should be left as such. A biopsy skin can confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.