Varicose ulcers are painful, bleeding lesions caused by inefficient blood pumping in the veins. They are common in older people and can be caused by health conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Treatment depends on the size and cause, but regular leg elevation and exercise can help recovery. Varicose ulcers are more likely to occur in leg veins due to gravity, and can be diagnosed by a doctor through examination and tests. Home care includes leg elevation, exercise, and compression. Healing time can take several months.
A varicose ulcer is a painful, bleeding lesion that appears on the skin when the underlying veins are unable to pump blood efficiently. Ulcers are very common in older people suffering from age-related circulation problems, although some health conditions such as deep vein thrombosis can lead to ulcers in younger patients. In most cases, varicose ulcers are found on the shins, calves or near the ankles. Treatment for varicose ulcers depends on their size and cause, but most patients are able to recover by regularly elevating and exercising their legs.
Veins in the legs and other parts of the body return used blood to the heart so it can be oxygenated and recirculated. If a vein is affected by a clot or vascular constriction, blood pressure rises within the vessel and puts pressure on the walls. Eventually, blood begins to leak from the vein and forms a stagnant pool in the surrounding tissue. When the ulceration occurs close to the skin, the tissue damage and blood pooling form a dark red lesion.
A leg vein is more likely to be affected by a varicose ulcer since the veins in the lower extremities are relatively far from the heart. While veins in the upper extremities and trunk are often elevated above the heart, veins in the legs must fight gravity to return blood. A clot somewhere along a vein or artery in the leg can lead to excessive pressure and eventual ulceration. Obesity, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and deep vein thrombosis can contribute to the development of a varicose ulcer.
In most cases, a varicose ulcer appears slowly over time. A person may notice a small patch of skin on their leg that gradually gets darker. The skin might be dry and flaky, and developing ulcers often itch. Once a lesion begins to form, the spot becomes tender to the touch. Additionally, an open ulcer can easily become infected, causing more pain, swelling, and inflammation. An individual who notices signs of a varicose ulcer should make an appointment with their doctor so it can be closely inspected.
A doctor can usually diagnose a varicose ulcer simply by examining it, but more tests are needed to look for an underlying cause. Blood tests, echocardiograms, and computed tomography scans can help a doctor identify clots and other problems. Some conditions, including severe deep vein thrombosis, require immediate medical and surgical attention to remedy before serious complications occur.
When a varicose ulcer is not a sign of a potentially serious condition, information about home care is usually provided to the patient. Elevating the leg and exercising regularly helps improve circulation and shorten the healing time of an ulcer. A doctor may also suggest compressing the wound with a bandage or specialized leg wrap to keep an ulcer from getting bigger. The lesions usually take several months to heal completely, but symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks following doctor’s orders.
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