Originally Posted by blupupher
The good news is veins heal differently than skin. The scaring on the skin is different than what happens in the vein, so the buildup of scar tissue is not as bad in the vein.
This is true for donations, but not as much for IV infusions, since some medications can be damaging to the vein (and especially for IV drug use, those drugs do major damage to the veins).
I would have them alternate arms, and if you have decent veins, use another one on the same arm. I have 2 good ones on my right arm and 1 on the left.
On the one they used the most, the skin has some decent scaring, but it is still soft to the touch.
Using Vitamin E lotion may help reduce the external scaring (studies are mixed on results) and keeping the puncture would covered with a bandaid and antibiotic ointment for a few days helps the healing. Also keeping the spot out of the sun helps (and having a bandaid on will do that). I have also read about massaging the site a few times a day to help prevent buildup.
I have not donated in a few years (used to do the plasmapheresis donation every 4-6 weeks for about 5-6 years) and my scars have decreased in size and firmness.
That's what I do as well. Everytime I go, including this coming Thursday, they will ask me what arm, to which I reply, it doesn't matter, but I'll tell them what arm blood was drawn from the last time.
Our (Red Cross) only allows donations every 3 months and it is recommended you inform you doctor that you donate blood regularly. I am O+ and my blood is in demand so I try to donate as often as I am allowed. O- is the most popular as it suits the most people, or so I am told, so if you're O-, especially, get out there and donate. There really is nothing to it. Just be sure you eat decently an hour or more before you go. Ask me how I know.