Skin Ulcers | Care, Definition, Types, Symptoms, Factors, Treatment
Definition of Skin Ulcers:
Skin Ulcers
Skin Ulcers are an open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane which fails to heal. Ulcers range from small, painful sores in the mouth to bedsores and serious lesions of the stomach or intestine.
Types of Skin Ulcers:
- Pressure Ulcer is caused by continuous pressure or friction on the skin. These skin ulcers often develop in bony areas because the bones place extra pressure on the skin. Pressure ulcers usually affect the back, hips, buttocks, ankles, and heels.
- Venous Skin Ulcers are caused by poor blood circulation in the leg veins. They usually affect the leg between the knee and ankle.
- Arterial Ulcers happen when blocked arteries caused by poor blood flow. These ulcers commonly from on the lower leg, feet, heels, toes, and outer side of ankles.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers caused by nerve damage and narrow arteries. These ulcers typically occur on the pressure points of the foot like heels, toes, and bottom of feet.
Symptoms of Skin Ulcers:
- Skin discoloration in the area. If you have a darker skin tone, it may look shiny or blue.
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Itchiness
- Pain
- Skin discoloration
- Changes in skin texture
- Yellow or green pus (due to an infection)
Causes:
- It happens when there’s a problem with blood circulation.
- Is a disease that causes high blood sugar
- Occurs when the arteries become narrow due to fat buildup
- If you stay in one position for too long, the constant pressure will squeeze your blood vessels.
- Venous insufficiency. This occurs when your veins can’t send blood from your legs to your heart.
Risk Factors:
- Pregnancy
- Cigarette smoking
- Being bedridden or Paralyzed
- Increasing age
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Obesity
- History of blood clots
Treatment:
- Is to heal the wound, reduce pain, and treat any infection.
- Dressing
- Antibiotics
- Pain Medication
- Surgery
Home Remedies:
- Leg elevation
- Compression socks
- Saline solution
- Turmeric
- Honey
Reference:
www.medicalnewstoday.com
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