10/10/2023
Leg ulcers: how do they manifest themselves and how to treat them?
Leg ulcers are a serious disease that requires long-term treatment. Find out how leg ulcers arise, how they manifest themselves and what helps for them.
How leg ulcers form
A leg ulcer is a chronic and long-term disease that can make the patient's daily life uncomfortable. A leg ulcer refers to a chronic skin defect in which the tissue gradually breaks down and dies.
There can be several causes of leg ulcers. The most common ones include venous disease, artery disease, diabetes, and other factors (such as trauma, excessive heat or cold).
However, poor lifestyle in the form of sedentary jobs, lack of physical exercise, standing for long periods of time or obesity can also be behind the development of leg ulcers. The use of hormonal contraceptives can also have a negative effect on the development of leg ulcers.
How leg ulcers manifest themselves
A developing leg ulcer usually manifests itself by a deterioration in the quality of the skin. The skin may start to thin, dry out or become wet. A leg ulcer first takes the form of a reddened patch. Over time, it becomes larger and dries out from the center. It may form a scab which subsequently ruptures. The patient may then observe an open wound extending into the subcutaneous tissue. If an infection enters this open wound, it will begin to smell strongly.
As the name suggests, leg ulcers are usually found on legs. Most often they appear in the ankle area.
How to treat leg ulcers
Treatment of leg ulcers is usually long-term and requires active involvement of the patient. First of all, it is necessary to focus on eliminating the causes that provoked the formation of leg ulcers. For the affected limb, you should try to minimize any pressure that might be exerted on the wound. Bandaging of the lower limbs may also be appropriate. The wounds can then be treated using what is known as moist wound care.
Subsequently, treatment should be tailored to the cause of the leg ulcer. If the leg ulcers have arisen because of vein disease, the use of drugs that help to improve the function of the vascular wall is resorted to. If the cause is arterial disease, drugs that increase blood flow are used.
To treat venous insufficiency, which can cause leg ulcers, the veno-active drug Venoruton can be used. Oxerutin - Venoruton active ingredient – mechanism of action reduces the leakage of water and other substances through the vein walls.
How to prevent the development of leg ulcers
If you have a predominantly sedentary job, it is advisable to give your body regular exercise, for example in the form of a walk. If, on the other hand, you stand all day, passive rest may be recommended. This means propping your feet up or raising them above the level of your heart during the day to give them relief.
A healthy lifestyle involving a healthy diet, sufficient drinking and maintaining a reasonable body weight is then an essential part of the treatment. If you are experiencing recurrent leg ulcers of venous origin, it is advisable to wear compression bandages or stockings as a preventive measure.
Risks and complications of leg ulcers
Leg ulcers carry certain risks, mainly because they are usually a precursor to another serious disease. Through the ulcer, streptococcus can enter the body, which can subsequently cause the development of erysipelas. In this case, a red swelling develops around the ulcer, which spreads further. If you suspect this complication, it is advisable to seek medical help quickly and to administer antibiotics.
A strong smell that can affect the patient's psyche can also be considered a complication. The smell may make the patient feel ashamed of his condition and avoid contact with people.
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