@A myRAteam Member I'm so sorry. My understanding is that if you stop the steroids your skin will thicken again. Is this a possibility? Are you on them for pain management or some other illness.
Perhaps another prospective on this is - if you were to see a person with this bruising you may ask them the same questions - out of concern and support. This opens the window of opportunity to educate people about autoimmune disease and your personal journey. It's an opportunity to share - maybe become closer to those around you - those that really count in your life. AND just maybe one of them may have a tip or trick to help manage the bruising.
OR - I may be way off target and these people are just being nosy and aren't really there is listen to you. Those type of people aren't our friends (they may be random coworkers or associates) and aren't worth those bad feelings about your self. People will think whatever crazy thing they want - we can't control that. What we can do is take care of ourselves and our mental health.
Hope this may help. You've got this!!

Mentioned Users

A myRAtea...

I haven't noticed bruising with steroids. I do bruise easily though.

If I take NSAIDs, like Alleve, Ibuprofen or aspirin, I bruise badly too sometimes. One dose doesn't do it but if I took a pill 3 days in a row, I would bruise for sure. Meds that thin your blood can do that like statens or some anti-depressants. And some supplements can too, like fish oil, ginger, garlic, or vit E. Even a vitamin deficiency, like vit c or k or iron.

When I had a front tooth extracted, I spent 5 months waiting for my implant to be made. I did not wear the plastic mouthpiece to 'preserve my dignity.' My thought was, 'I don't need to impress anyone else. And ppl have the choice to look elsewhere if they want.

So, I left the uncomfortable plastic mouthpiece at home and smiled cheerfully. I made a lot of ppl smile and the reason didn't bother me at all.

I hope your bruises clear up quickly, for your comfort. It may not only be the steroid causing the bruises, Could be a combination. You might make a list of meds, supplements and OTC meds you have taken and ask your HCP for sure.

steroids seem like a wonder drug when it comes to stopping the pain and inflammation, But you pay the price with side effects. They will definitely cause thin skin and bruising along with rapid weight gain. even if only taken as needed. Motrin and other inflammatory medicines will also cause the bruising. Steroids also weaken the immune system more, making you even more prone to infections and sickness.

I experience this bruising your talking about. I'm sorry that it's caused you to feel so bad about yourself. 🤗HUGS. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. You are fighting a battle at most people even can't understand. You are a warrior. 💪🏼 People will think whatever they want to think. BUT YOU - You know in you core being what you're up against and you're surviving. Bruising comes and goes. Stay Confident and Strong.