Varicose ulcer is a sore that is normally located near the ankle, very difficult to heal, due to poor blood flow in the area, and can take weeks or years to heal and, in more severe cases, never heal.
Left untreated, ulcers can lead to a serious infection, but there is a way to avoid them. Treatment should always be performed by a healthcare professional and consists of cleaning the wound, applying a bandage and tightening the area.
- Varicose ulcers are more common in the elderly because venous return does not occur correctly.
- Resulting in a buildup of venous blood in the legs.
- Which contains less oxygen and therefore does not allow proper healing of wounds.
- 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 your risk of developing an ulcer such as:
Also, if you have recently had leg surgery or are bedridden, you should be vigilant frequently, as there is an increased risk of ulceration, which usually occurs near bone areas such as the ankle or knee. Like what.
The most common signs and symptoms that occur with the varicose ulcer are itching, swelling, burns and pain in the ulcer area, discolored skin around the wound, dry skin or rash, and the release of fluid from the odory wound.
In addition, if the wound is infected, the pain may worsen and symptoms such as fever and release of pus from the wound may also occur.
Varicose ulcers are curable and the treatment involves cleaning the wound, in which the released fluid and dead tissues are removed, then a suitable 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 medium compression should be placed, the pressure of which will improve blood flow in the area, 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 to improve circulation in the legs may be recommended, which can help cure the ulcer and prevent similar problems later on. See how surgeries are performed for this problem.
During treatment, it is also important to place your legs above heart level for half an hour, 3 to 4 times a day.