What are leg ulcers, leg ulcer treatment, leg ulcer cause, types of leg ulcers, diabetes and leg ulcers, peripheral artery disease, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, wound care, nonhealing wound. Show
OverviewWhat are leg ulcers?Leg ulcers are open wounds on your leg that take more than two weeks to heal despite treatment. These ulcers typically appear between the ankle and knee. Leg ulcers often seep (ooze fluid or pus) and can grow larger if left untreated. A sore on your leg that doesn’t heal after three months of treatment is considered a chronic condition. How common are leg ulcers?Approximately 1% of American adults have leg ulcers. The problem is more common in older adults. About 4% of people over 65 have nonhealing sores on their legs. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes leg ulcers?Causes of leg ulcers include:
What are the risk factors for leg ulcers?Women are twice as likely as men to develop leg ulcers. Other factors that make leg ulcers more likely include:
What are the symptoms of leg ulcers?A lower leg wound that doesn’t heal with treatment after two weeks is the first indication of a leg ulcer. The sore may be red, purple, brown or yellow (or a mix of colors). Nonhealing sores on your legs often have a liquid discharge. Other signs of a leg ulcer include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow are leg ulcers diagnosed?A vascular specialist — a healthcare provider specializing in the circulatory system and knowledgeable about wound care — can examine the ulcer. Your provider will examine your skin and the wound. You may also get:
Management and TreatmentHow are leg ulcers treated?Leg ulcers can be challenging to eliminate. Even with treatment, wounds can persist for months or sometimes years. Treatments vary depending on the ulcer type and cause. Your healthcare provider will focus on healing the wound, reducing swelling and preventing the ulcer from coming back as it heals. Leg ulcer treatments include:
PreventionHow can I prevent leg ulcers?Leg ulcers commonly open up again after healing. These steps can lower the risk of getting a leg ulcer or a wound recurrence:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat are the complications of leg ulcers?People with nonhealing wounds are at risk for:
What’s the outlook for someone with leg ulcers?Leg ulcers can lead to disability. They can affect your mobility, making it hard for you to get around, work and enjoy life. You may need frequent doctor or wound clinic visits and hospitalizations. Living WithWhen should I call my healthcare provider?You should call your healthcare provider if you have sores on your legs and experience:
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Leg ulcers can be painful, unsightly and difficult to treat. Chronic leg ulcers need specialized wound care to prevent infection and aid healing. Your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments like medicines or procedures to improve blood flow to the leg. Even after they heal, leg ulcers can break open again. Your provider can offer suggestions on how to prevent a wound recurrence. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoWhat helps leg ulcers heal faster?To help your ulcer heal more quickly, follow the advice below:. Try to keep active by walking regularly. ... . Whenever you're sitting or lying down, keep your affected leg elevated – with your toes level with your eyes.. Regularly exercise your legs by moving your feet up and down, and rotating them at the ankles.. What happens if leg ulcers won't heal?What separates venous leg ulcers apart from other diseases is the heightened risk of infection you have through an open sore. “If you have a wound that hasn't healed in two to three weeks, see your doctor or nurse practitioner right away,” she says. “They'll evaluate you and get you a referral to a wound care center.”
What is the latest treatment for leg ulcers?Topical oxygen therapy (TOT) is an innovative technology in the management of resistant-to-healing venous leg ulcers. TOT is applied directly to the wound and does not require a full-body compression chamber.
What cream is best for leg ulcers?The most frequently used topical antimicrobials in wound care practice are chlorhexidine, iodine, silver containing products, mupriocin and fucidic acid.
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