# Thinning skin due to Prednisone **URL:** \ **Category:** Bones, joints and muscles\ **Tags:** Polymyalgia rheumatica and GCA\ **Created:** [27 May 2017 23:29 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305 "2017-05-27T23:29:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_1033566](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/f0a364/32.png) [@nh\_user\_1033566](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_1033566)\ **Post date:** [27 May 2017 23:29 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/1 "2017-05-27T23:29:50Z")
Has anyone found a remedy/cure for combating thinning skin due to Prednisone.  In the past 10 months, I've aged 10 years!  I realize that thin skin is part of the aging process, but whoa---not this fast---I hope. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_1024769](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/f04885/32.png) [@nh\_user\_1024769](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_1024769)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 00:27 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/2 "2017-05-28T00:27:25Z")
Hi Babazaga So far on a 'high' dose of Pred for awhile and I have (as yet) developed none of the nastier and more common side effects - except this one - I only need to knock or slightly scrape the top of my hands and I have numerous areas of broken skin and [blood](https://community.patient.info/health/blood) blisters. To be fair I had a bit of this prior to PMR/GCA but nothing like this extent. I don't bruise over my body as often as others seem to recount though - but like you (except for wearing gardening gloves assiduously - which I have usually avoided) I would like to know about any preventatives/remedies - though obviously the Pred is causing this and tapering will hopefully help in the end. As far as faces and ageing - I guess I'm also stuck at present with my even rounder face to fill out the much 'raggier' bits (LOL) !! Best Rimmy ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_947968](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/b19c9b/32.png) [@nh\_user\_947968](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_947968)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 01:10 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/3 "2017-05-28T01:10:37Z")
Yes, the skin on my arms is so thin.  All I need to do is barely scrape it on a door jamb  or something and I am bleeding.  I use lotion.  My dermatologist said it is all caused by the prednisone, but he did not give me a remedy, so I will be standing by to see if anyone responds.  I hope we get some help. It is bad enough having PMR without having this to contend with.   ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_165107](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/838e76/32.png) [@nh\_user\_165107](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_165107)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 02:09 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/4 "2017-05-28T02:09:09Z")
There is not really a remedy for thinning skin as such. You could try a Retinoid cream to improve the collagen. Drink lots of water. Use a moisturiser. Don't use scented soap. I have heard that fish oil and flax seed can help, but it may be an old wive's tale. Protect your skin in the sun.  ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_962275](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/3bc359/32.png) [@nh\_user\_962275](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_962275)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 02:36 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/5 "2017-05-28T02:36:44Z")
When my skin gets bad enough I just tell my husband that he needs to be especially nice to me or I'm going to tell everyone that he beats me. LOL ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_1033566](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/f0a364/32.png) [@nh\_user\_1033566](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_1033566)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 03:26 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/6 "2017-05-28T03:26:47Z")
Love it!!!  That may well be my "fall-back".  On the other hand, that just might be the remedy for a few other things.  LOL ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_1033566](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/f0a364/32.png) [@nh\_user\_1033566](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_1033566)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 03:30 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/7 "2017-05-28T03:30:33Z")
Can't hurt to have a go at the fish oil and flax seed.  The other stuff I already use.   Somewhere in this site, I read a post that suggested a couple of things (of course I can't find it now!) one of which was horsetail oil---and something I've never heard of, nor can I imagine what kind of oil can be had from a horsetail---unless its just a creative name for something.  I will research it.   ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 07:40 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/8 "2017-05-28T07:40:40Z")
Skin thinning/bruising is par for the course unfortunately whilst on [steroids](https://community.patient.info/health/steroids).  There is no "cure" as such but there are some things that can help until you get to the lower steroid doses when this side effect will resolve.  Meanwhile, we have to help ourselves, and for anyone here in the UK there is a very effective moisturiser called Doublebase Gel.  There must be something similar overseas.  Moisturising is vital to help prevent the skin from drying, thereby leding to easy gashes.  For the easy bruising, Arnica Cream can help and I got through oodles of it.  I also avoided the daily shower in favour of a few more top and tail washes.  And never use perfumed soaps - in fact, if the skin is that bad, Doublebase gel and the like can be used as an actual shower wash, just rinsing it off afterwards.  I hope some of this helps but please be reassured that your skin will return to normal  as you get to the lower doses heading towards remission - mine did. ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 07:43 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/9 "2017-05-28T07:43:11Z")
Meant to add, if you do use DoubleBase Gel or similar in the shower, be sure to use a rubber mat as the shower base will be very slippery. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_12898](https://community.patient.info/user_avatar/community.patient.info/nh_user_12898/32/1979_2.png) [@nh\_user\_12898](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_12898)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 08:26 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/10 "2017-05-28T08:26:50Z")
I and someone else have had few skin problems and are sure it is because we have used NO soap products of any sort on our skin while on pred. She uses Doublebase, an emollient cream used in eczema, and there are products developed for showering. I shower and wash my hair - that is the only soap product that gets near my skin and I don't wash my hair daily (far from it!). You can get Doublebase from Amazon and if someone has Prime the delivery won't be extortionate - I know a few people outside the UK have got it that way. If you look it up online you can find the ingredients list on the manufacturer's site, diomed  - and a good pharmacist will be able to recommend a local product that is the equivalent. It has no perfumes and "stuff", just liquid paraffin 15% w/w, isopropyl myristate 15% w/w gel. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_916582](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/ac8455/32.png) [@nh\_user\_916582](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_916582)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 09:08 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/11 "2017-05-28T09:08:40Z")
that is funny.. I blame my wife... then my dog for my bloody marks on my arms... ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_916582](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/ac8455/32.png) [@nh\_user\_916582](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_916582)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 09:13 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/12 "2017-05-28T09:13:14Z")
no cure but just some sort of moisturisers would help. The good news is that skin will recover after we stop taking steroids, per my rheumi. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_12898](https://community.patient.info/user_avatar/community.patient.info/nh_user_12898/32/1979_2.png) [@nh\_user\_12898](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_12898)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 10:45 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/13 "2017-05-28T10:45:25Z")
And then there are doctors who say it won't recover... ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_165393](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/d78d45/32.png) [@nh\_user\_165393](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_165393)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 12:38 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/14 "2017-05-28T12:38:13Z")
My sixpennorth. Mrs O recommended Double Base Gel/Cream.  I used it and still use it. I also found out that Great Ormond Street Hospital use gallons of it.  Eileen also gave me brilliant advice (they are both mates longstanding mates) mine Constant showering and washing strips the skin of all  natural oils and no creams etc can replace those. Shower no more than three times a week and follow the directions ie do exactly what it says 'on the tin'. Johnson's baby shampoo, but really water is just as good as any shampoo. Arnica tablets and cream to deal with bruising - checked with Pharmacist as Joan is on a load of prescription medicines.  Yes it is compatible with nearly every drug. Eye completely closed on Sunday, Arnica tablets and cream started on Monday. Friday after 5 days following the instructions on both items. End use of tablets Monday as 7 days is on the label. Continue with cream. After having been on pred for 5 years (GCA) and tips and tricks from people with these two illnesses.  10 years down the line - more wrinkles, old age spots. I still bruise when I am gardening  (with those skinny gloves the hospital use underneath my gardening gloves - which I hate - I like to feel the soil and plants). My skin is no thinner. Cuts and scratches  are dealt 'Witch Hazel'  Probably written too much..............so apologies in advance.   ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_947968](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/b19c9b/32.png) [@nh\_user\_947968](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_947968)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 15:00 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/15 "2017-05-28T15:00:56Z")
I have bit used soap on my body in years.  I only use shower gel.  My arms and legs are the parts where my skin is really bad, mostly my arms.  Fortunately my face has shown no effects at all.  I live in a very dry climate with lots of sun.  I walk everyday, anld when it is warm, I wear long shorts. The sun may also be a contributing factor for me.  I would think in England where there is higher humidity it might not be as bad.  I hate to add that age probalby has something to do with this too.  I am curiouls to know if the double gel moisturizer feels greasy????   If it does, I might only use it at bedtime.  I had one cream that was a petroleum base and I just couldn't handle that in the daytime.  Thanks, Donna ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_12898](https://community.patient.info/user_avatar/community.patient.info/nh_user_12898/32/1979_2.png) [@nh\_user\_12898](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_12898)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 15:07 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/16 "2017-05-28T15:07:30Z")
By soap I mean anything used for cleaning skin that makes a foam. Shower gel is just liquid soap. They still strip the natural oils from the skin and the external humidity doesn't really make much difference to that! I can't really tell you much about the Doublebase - I use it about once a year and in small quantities! You use it after a shower while the skin is still damp to keep the moisture in - everyone I know who uses it swears by it.  I don't live in the UK - I also live in a very dry climate, weeks and weeks with a humidity of 20% or lower is not unusual summer or winter.  ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_165107](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/838e76/32.png) [@nh\_user\_165107](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_165107)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 15:12 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/17 "2017-05-28T15:12:31Z")
Hi Nick, do you know where your rheumy got this information, as I think he may be wrong? Skin thinning is one reason that people are told to limit their use of topical steroid creams too. I also have purpura with the skin thinning which is a real pain. I had hoped that would go away on lower doses of pred, but no such luck. It may be slightly improved though. I don't think I am kidding myself! ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_947968](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/b19c9b/32.png) [@nh\_user\_947968](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_947968)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 15:17 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/18 "2017-05-28T15:17:01Z")
I remember now that you are not in the UK.  I have always heard that putting any moisturizer on the skin should be done while it is still damp.  The main reason I switched to shower get forty years ago was that it leaves no soap film on the shower, thus the shower is easier to clean.  Ha Ha  I was not thinking of my skin back then.  Well, I think that a lot of this is trial and error for all of us, and I stand by the part that I said about the age of our skin.  Mine is much older than a lot of you.  :-)  Have a lovely Sunday.  Donna ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_916582](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/ac8455/32.png) [@nh\_user\_916582](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_916582)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 15:43 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/19 "2017-05-28T15:43:55Z")
I don't know about his source of information, but he was rather specific that skin recovery only happens some time after we stop with pred. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_165107](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/838e76/32.png) [@nh\_user\_165107](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_165107)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2017 15:48 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305/20 "2017-05-28T15:48:42Z")
Perhaps he was trying to cheer you up! [Next page](https://community.patient.info/t/thinning-skin-due-to-prednisone/593305.md?page=2)