VENOUS SKIN ULCER

TYPES

Skin ulcers have three types and one of the types is venous skin ulcers.

The two types of skin ulcers mentioned below are different from venous skin ulcers. They include:

Arterial skin ulcers.

This is a skin ulcer that occurs when a person has artery disease. This type of skin ulcer is very painful and usually develops on the feet and toes. However, this type is less common than venous skin ulcers.

Neuropathic skin ulcers

Diabetic neuropathic ulcer is skin ulcer that is due to nerve damage. People with little or no sensation in their feet due to diabetic nerve damage are more prone to this type of skin ulcer.

SYMPTOMS

Early symptoms of venous skin ulcer include:

• blood leaking out of the vein
• Skin turns dark red or purple
• Affected area may become thick, dry, and itchy

Venous skin ulcers may appear as achy legs, which are swollen and are very painful, if left untreated.

Other common signs and symptoms of venous skin ulcer include:

• A foul-smelling fluid oozing from the sore
• A redness or swelling of the surrounding skin
• Fever
• A rash or dry skin

An ulcer can also become infected. If that happens, you might notice:

• Brownish discoloration
• Pus
• Worsening pain

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will diagnose venous skin ulcers by asking questions about your health and looking at your legs. Your doctor may also use duplex Doppler ultrasound to find out what is causing the ulcer. This test shows how well blood is moving through the lower leg.

Before diagnosing venous skin ulcer, your doctor will check your medical history, and examine the affected area. A duplex Doppler ultrasound will also be performed to find out the cause of the skin ulcer and to know how blood moves through your arteries and veins.

TREATMENT

The first step involves improving blood circulation. To do this, you can:

• Wearing compression bandages and stockings
• Walking everyday
• If possible, always lift your legs above the level of your heart. Do this whenever you are  lying. You can alsosupport your legs with a pillow.

Debridement will also be performed by your doctor to removed dead tissue.

A follow up check-up is needed to know whether your skin ulcers are already healed. If not healed, then other treatments will be advised.

Treatment includes:

• Drugs(Antibiotics)
• Skin grafting
• Vein surgery