Varicose ulcer is a wound that is usually located near the ankle, being very difficult to heal, due to poor blood circulation in the area, and it can take from weeks to years to heal, and in more severe cases, never to heal.
If left untreated, ulcers can lead to the onset of a serious infection, however there is a way to avoid it. The treatment must always be carried out by a health professional and consists of cleaning the wound, applying a dressing and pressing the area.
How the treatment is done
Varicose ulcers are curable and the treatment consists of cleaning the wound, in which the released liquid and dead tissue is removed, and then an appropriate dressing is applied, which may include the use of ointments for ulcers. See an example of an ointment that can be used.
In addition, a compression gauze or compression stocking should be placed, the pressure of which will improve blood circulation in the area, thereby accelerating healing. The first time it is applied it can be very painful, so it is advisable to take an analgesic such as paracetamol, for example, and if the ulcer is infected, it is necessary to take antibiotics to cure the infection.
In more severe cases, surgery to improve circulation in the legs may be recommended which can help the ulcer heal and prevent similar problems later. See how the surgeries are done for this problem.
During treatment, it is also important to place the legs above the level of the heart for half an hour, 3 to 4 times a day.
Possible causes
Varicose ulcers are more frequent in the elderly because the venous return does not occur correctly, leading to the accumulation of venous blood in the legs, which has less oxygen and, therefore, does not allow the correct healing of wounds. In addition, excess fluid in the leg also increases pressure on the skin, making it more sensitive and less resistant.
However, there are other factors that increase the risk of developing an ulcer such as:
- Existence of wounds in the legs, or history of wounds in the past; Presence of varicose veins in the legs; Excessive cigarette use; Obesity; Presence of other circulatory problems; Osteoarthritis.
In addition, if you have recently had surgery on your leg, or if you are bedridden, you should be vigilant frequently, as there is a greater chance of an ulcer forming, which usually occurs near bone regions such as the ankle or knee, for example.
What symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms that appear together with varicose ulcer are itching, swelling, burning and pain in the ulcer region, discolored skin tone around the wound, dry or rash skin, and release of liquid from the wound with bad smell.
In addition, in the event of infection of the wound, the pain may worsen, and symptoms such as fever and release of pus by the wound may also manifest.
How to prevent
There are ways to prevent the formation of varicose ulcers such as quitting smoking, losing weight, controlling high blood pressure and diabetes, reducing dietary salt, exercising regularly, wearing compression stockings and keeping your legs elevated whenever possible.
