The varicose ulcer is a wound that is usually located near the ankle, being very difficult to cure, due to a poor blood circulation of the place, it can take from weeks to years to heal, and in more serious cases, never cure.
If left untreated, ulcers can lead to the onset of a serious infection, however there is a way to prevent it. The treatment should always be performed by a health professional and consists of cleaning the wound, applying a dressing and compression on the spot.
How is the treatment done?
Varicose ulcers are healed and the treatment consists in cleaning the wound, in which the released liquid and dead tissue are removed, and then a suitable dressing is applied, which may include the use of ointment ointments. Here's an example of 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 site, thus accelerating healing. The first time it is applied can be very painful, so it is advisable to take a painkiller such as acetaminophen, for example, and if the ulcer is infected, it is necessary to take antibiotics to cure the infection.
In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to improve circulation in the legs that can help the ulcer heal and prevent similar problems later. See how surgeries are done for this problem.
During treatment, it is also important to put your legs above the level of the heart for half an hour, 3 to 4 times a day.
Possible causes
Varicose ulcers are more common in the elderly because the venous return does not occur properly, leading to the accumulation of venous blood in the legs, which has less oxygen and, therefore, does not allow correct wound healing. In addition, excess fluid in the leg also increases the 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 leg wounds, or history of wounds in the past;
- Presence of varicose veins in the legs;
- Use of excess cigarette;
- Obesity;
- Presence of other circulatory problems;
- Osteoarthritis.
In addition, if surgery has been performed on the leg recently, or if you are bedridden, you should watch frequently because there is a greater chance of ulcer formation, which usually occurs near bone regions such as the ankle or knee, for example.
What are the symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms that appear along 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 a liquid by the wound with bad smell.
In addition, if wound infection occurs, the pain may worsen, and symptoms such as fever and release of pus from 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 salt in the diet, exercising regularly, wearing compression stockings and keeping your legs elevated whenever possible.
