Treatment Of Venous Leg Ulcers

Venous leg ulcers are caused by blood pressure build up in the leg's veins. Faulty valves are the cause of this condition. Instead of blood flowing upward toward the heart as it should, it flows backward. This causes damage to the tiny vessels inside the skin and causes dry and itchy skin along with inflammation.

Skin breakage is possible since the circulation of blood is not sufficient to heal the infected area. The results are an ulcer or open sore. While some people receive damaged valves as a result of a blood clot which as formed inside the vein, others are born with weaken values. As a person ages the valves tends to weaken.

Venous leg ulcers are not inherited; it is a medical condition. Factors that put people at risk for developing this condition are poor working valves and developing blood clots. Symptoms associated with venous ulcers are swelling in the legs, brown patches and spots on the skin, and itchy scaly skin. Variations of skin color (red and blue) may be noticeable if blood is not flowing properly.

The sores (ulcers) can be quite painful and relief can be found in wearing tight stretchy hoses or bandages. Changing the dressing and exposing the open sore to air can trigger pain as well. If the pain is more serve than before, there could be other factors involved such as blocked arteries. Consulting a doctor at this point could prove to be a wise choice. Pain is normal in some instances, but chronic pain can indicate another underlying problem.

Doctors have a way of diagnosing venous leg ulcers. The blood pressure in the leg is taken and the pulse in the feet is checked for circulation increase or decrease. More specialized testing may be conducted if the doctor findings are inconclusive. These tests may include microscopic or biopsy examination, or blood tests. In some cases an X-ray may be ordered.

The treatment of leg ulcers starts with potassium or salt water solution. Soaking the leg in the solution may be easier and more beneficial. Skin moisturizers containing emollient oils may be used during the cleansing process. A dressing is then placed over the sore, covered by a stocking or compression bandage. Antibiotics may be given to control or prevent infections, and cream containing steroids are used for itching and irritation. If allergic reactions occur a allergy test may be ordered.