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What Causes Thin Skin On Forearms And Shin?

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Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Question: I have very thin skin on my forearms and shins and they bruise easily, however, the bruises have left stains that never go away and all I have to do is accidently hit or rub these areas and they bruise more. Is there anyway to heal these areas so they don't bruise so easily and the stains clears up?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Skin thinning probably due to steroid effect.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Easy bruisibility on skin of forearms, staining at the site of bruises and increased stains on rubbing suggest a connective tissue disorder.
Disorders of collagen make the skin injury prone, easy rupture of blood vessels and slow healing of the injury site.
There is history of steroid intake also.
Chronic use of steroids cause thinning of skin as side effect.
Steroids also cause thinning of the collagen.

There is no way to reverse the effect, however, the dose of the steroids should be reduced after consulting your treating doctor.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (18 minutes later)
Thank you,
I only take 6 mg of prednisone and am trying to get down to 5 or 6, but due to RA is really helpful. I was hoping there would something I could do to thicken the skin and dissipate the effects of the easy bruising.
Sincerely,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
reversal of skin thinning

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

Steroid may be the cause of skin thinning.
The reversal of skin thinning requires increase in collagen content of the skin.
Consult a dermatologist for 130238 of the forearm.
Now-a-days collagen rejuvenating treatment is available with good results.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (5 minutes later)
Thank you,
I will follow up with a dermatologist
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks and take care

Detailed Answer:
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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What Causes Thin Skin On Forearms And Shin?

Brief Answer: Skin thinning probably due to steroid effect. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. Easy bruisibility on skin of forearms, staining at the site of bruises and increased stains on rubbing suggest a connective tissue disorder. Disorders of collagen make the skin injury prone, easy rupture of blood vessels and slow healing of the injury site. There is history of steroid intake also. Chronic use of steroids cause thinning of skin as side effect. Steroids also cause thinning of the collagen. There is no way to reverse the effect, however, the dose of the steroids should be reduced after consulting your treating doctor. If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer. Dr Shailja P Wahal