Venous stasis ulcers are the ulcers caused in the region between the knee and the ankle in either of your legs due to improper blood flow or damaged valves in the leg veins. These ulcers are also known as non-healing wounds, as they may take weeks to heal.
Initially, the ulcer may start as a small wound with changes in the skin texture and color. It is essential to recognize it at an early stage. Consult your doctor if you see any visible change in your leg, as ignorance will lead to enlarged ulcers. Ulcer treatment in Manhattan provided by Elite veins, NY, can help with the early diagnosis and treatment of venous stasis ulcers.
Venous stasis ulcers are caused mainly by blot clots caused by poor circulation or varicose veins, but other factors that may cause these ulcers are;
- Lack of exercise
- Diabetes
- Venous insufficiency
- Some inflammatory diseases like lupus
- Kidney failure
- Genetics
- Excessive smoking
- Hypertension
- Leg trauma
- Bowel disorders
- Heart diseases
- Specific medications
- Infections.
Symptoms:
Listed below are some common symptoms of venous stasis ulcers:
- Swelling, redness, and cramping of the leg.
- The appearance of brownish and yellow patches underneath the skin, hemosiderin staining.
- Tightening and hardening of the skin.
- The appearance of dark red or purple stops.
- Pain with discomfort.
- Irregular-shaped shiny ulcers.
- The skin around the ulcers may be hot and warm when touched.
- Constant burning and itching feeling.
- Dry and scaly skin.
- Edema and infection may cause severe pain.
Treatment:
The doctor may first examine you, do an ultrasound, look for any medical history, and then have the correct treatment based on the degree of severity. Various treatment options are:
- Debridement – cleaning of wound to remove the dead and infected skin or callus
- Medication – oral antibiotics are given if there is an infection—Anti-clot medications to prevent the formation of clots.
- Compression therapy – one of the most common treatments that use compression stockings or devices
- Unna boots – moist gauze consisting of zinc or calamine is tightly wrapped around the leg and allowed to harden.
- Use of transparent plastic dressing or hydrocolloid dressing( hydrogel).
- Keep the legs in an elevated position.
Prevention:
- Follow a healthy lifestyle and exercise to have proper blood circulation.
- Quit smoking.
- Daily examine your leg for any early signs of venous stasis ulcers.
- Avoid extended periods of sitting and standing.
- Wear proper and comfortable footwear.
- Management of diabetes and blood pressure.
- Keep your sodium levels in check.
Try to consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the problem and treatment of venous stasis ulcers.
