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Stasis ulcers are open sores caused by fluid buildup under the skin, often appearing on the lower leg. They can be painful and are linked to medical conditions like varicose veins, blood clotting, and obesity. Treatment varies depending on severity, with mild ulcers treated at home and more severe cases requiring medical intervention.
A stasis ulcer is an open sore that appears on the skin, typically resulting from fluid buildup under the skin. Most stasis ulcers appear on the inside of a person’s lower leg, usually slightly above the ankle. A stasis ulcer can be extremely painful in some cases, although individuals with minor ulcers may experience little or no pain. Some individuals develop multiple ulcers, which can appear on both legs. A stasis ulcer may also be referred to as a venous stasis ulcer or varicose ulcer.
People with stasis ulcers tend to have medical conditions like varicose veins or blood clotting. A leg injury can also contribute to the development of a stasis ulcer, even if the injury is minor. Overweight people are more susceptible to developing these types of ulcers, and women are more often affected than men. Lying or sitting in one spot for long periods of time can also cause a stasis ulcer to develop.
Most venous stasis ulcers are caused by inadequate venous function. When people develop stasis ulcers, fluid usually leaks out of the veins and into skin tissue. This occurs mainly due to blood blocking instead of being pumped back to the heart through the veins.
Typically, a stasis ulcer looks like an open sore, and is often red or brown in color with irregularly shaped borders. The area around the ulcer may be swollen and discolored, and may itch or peel before the ulcer actually forms. The ulcer may be covered in a clear, green, or yellow discharge. In general, infected ulcers secrete more. In some cases, hard, tender lumps form under the skin surrounding the ulcer.
Treatment of venous stasis ulcer varies depending on the severity of the ulcer. Milder ulcers, which look like small cuts or scrapes on the skin, can usually be treated at home. For these types of ulcers, the skin should first be cleaned with mild soap and water. After that, the wound should be lightly coated with petroleum jelly and loosely covered with a gauze bandage. Adhesive tapes and other similar materials should not be applied to the wound as they can irritate the skin. Caution is advised when using over-the-counter antibiotics because they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
If a mild ulcer doesn’t heal after a few days of self-care, you should see a doctor. Painful, swollen, or deep sores should also be examined by a doctor. Doctors can treat ulcers by prescribing medications to treat the infection and help the healing process. In some cases, such as when other treatment methods don’t work, surgery may be needed. A doctor may also employ compression techniques to prevent new ulcers from developing in the future.
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