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I think it was on this site that a rather lengthy discussion took place about 'solutions' to the red/purple bruises that start appearing as our years increase and even before then. I am wanting to get to that discussion again for more information.

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Although cosmetically displeasing, senile purpura is benign and unrelated to any systemic diseases or blood dyscrasias. It is however a risk factor for skin tears in institutionalised patients.
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It's interesting that you raised this question because in reading articles about it, I realized I have it on my feet, and it's gotten worse after repeated foot injuries. Yikes!

This is a good article, addressing nutritional methods to try to compensate for this age related condition:

totalhealthmagazine./Herbal-Medicine/Effective-Treatment-of-Senile-Purpura.html

The suggestions really aren't all herbal but are vitamin related: vitamin C, flavonoids, and (this is an herbal treatment) arnica.

Caution on arnica though: I bought a tube of it at Whole Foods without carefully examining the list of ingredients and was shocked to find that it contained methylparaben and polyparaben, which can contain phthalates, which have been identified as possible carcinogens.

So if you can find a tube of natural, organic arnica w/o chemical additives, it would be much safer. This is another good reminder that I need to spend some of my aging years learning how to make my own salves and ointments.

There's another brief and concise article on senile purpura here:

livestrong/article/313071-damaged-thin-skin/

I guess I shouldn't be shocked that sun can contribute to this condition.
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I'm sorry the arnica didn't help, but I've been wondering if, in some of these creams made by commercial entities, the proportion of arnica isn't enough to be helpful.

I've read in an herbal magazine that arnica has been helpful, I believe in some trials, so perhaps it's either the grade of arnica or the additives.

It's unfortunate though because if it is a legitimate help, the version you had will discourage you and perhaps others from considering it. I've had that experience with some creams that I think have been watered down. It's one of the reasons I try to buy my lotions, etc. from a local woman who grows her own herbs and has very high standards for what she purchases.
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Are you referring to hematomas on hands and arms, from taking an anticoagulant medicine as well as having thin skin?

You might find that post among these hits:

https://www.agingcare.com/search.aspx?searchterm=hematomas+on+hands+and+arms

Check the second page; there are some threads dealing with hematomas.

What specific information are you seeking?
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I finally found what it is called but may have read it on a different caregiver talk forum. I remember now that it was called " senile purpura ". GardenArtist, thank you for responding! I looked up the link you gave so I can eliminate hematomas, definitely not those more serious problems. The 'senile purpura is just annoying and makes the arms and hands look, well, ugly.
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Anyone know how to prevent them other than being careful (impossible). Creams to make them dissipate more quickly or to prevent them, vitamins perhaps...
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@gardenartist: Thank you so much for the links…just looked them over and they have good information, pleased to see I am already doing/taking some of the suggestions and going to investigate a couple of others to add to the 'my hands and arms announcing to everyone that I am old' regime :) You have been very helpful and kind…much appreciated. I found the other caretakers talk forum where this topic was discussed in great detail which is the only reason I already do/take a significant defense to avoid getting them. TY for the warning about Arnica…I have tried it for everything it is said to help and my take away is 'meh' doesn't do any of those listed on the box for me. As to the sun, I lived at the beach my whole childhood so damage done eventually started being a sun avoider to the point I wear knee high socks with the toes cut out when I drive as I now live where the sun seems to always shine and w/o the benefit of the beach.
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I too know any number of people who totally believe in arnica and I sure don't want others to not try it for themselves, one friend uses it for sore muscles and says it is the best help she has found. I will look into your suggestion about the ingredients in mine. Thanks
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