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Bruises that don't go away?

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Posted 7/3/2012 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Does Prednisone cause delayed healing of bruises?  I've had a bruise on my shin for over 3 weeks now that is slowly fading from the center out but still pretty big, gross and purple. Granted I did smack it pretty hard with a shovel (twice actually in two days in the same spot), but that was at least 3 weeks ago. I'm on Imuran too and have been for about 4 weeks, not sure if that's long enough for it to have that side effect or not. 
Posted 7/3/2012 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
I definitely have bruising that takes double the time to heal when I'm on Prednisone. In fact, I have a bruise on my arm at the site where my IV was when I was in the hospital a few weeks ago that is still purple in places. Just make sure you're getting enough iron in your diet/supplements. The bruising will get better as you taper down your prednisone dose.
Posted 7/3/2012 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
It's probably the combination of pred and Imuran that is delaying the healing. I bruise super easy, look at me and I bruise. It takes a long while for my bruises to go away too. It got so bad once, my GI checked my platelets just to be sure nothing was seriously wrong - which it wasn't. What's really sad is that half of my bruises, I don't even know how I got them!

One thing you can try to heal your bruises faster is Arnica cream. You can find it at most health food stores.
Posted 7/3/2012 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Imuran can cause a reduction in platelets, which is probably why the bruises aren't fading. Are you having regular bloodwork done? Your platelet count should be a part of your DR's monitoring.

My platelets have dropped below normal over the past couple of years, probably because of the sulfazine I'm taking. My DRs are not worried about it, but I have noticed I bruise more easily and they last a long time. My platelet count was 148 in April - I think normal is above 180....my DR said when it gets down to 120 we will need to discuss a change in meds. Meanwhile my mom's platelet count hovers around 70 - hers is low due to radiation and chemo for breast cancer 15 years ago. So there you go. She is a risky patient if she has to have surgery, but otherwise she is fine.
Posted 7/3/2012 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Rubbing extra virgine olive oil on your bruises heals them very quicky....I use it as a moisturizer daily (keep a seperate bottle in my bathroom) and I bruise quite easily without being on any meds...EVOO works great!
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