Posted on 14th April, 2023 at 1:17:51 AM
What are Venous Ulcers?
Patients who complain of varicose veins are at an alarmingly high risk of venous ulcers. The restricted blood flow in the varicose veins contributes to blood pooling which further causes additional pressure on the veins. This, in turn, is known to cause the skin tissue around the damaged vein to crack open and form an open wound. These open wounds that may or may not bleed are called venous ulcers. The patients experience a feeling of heaviness along with a sensation of tingling and itching in the affected area. Also, the color of the skin around the ulcer changes to dark red, brown, or purple. In the absence of treatment, as the blood continues to pool, the patients may also experience the skin around the wound turning thicker.
As and when the ulcer breaks open, there can be seen a shallow red-colored wound that is covered by yellow tissue. The skin surrounding the ulcer becomes tight, has a shiny look, and is warm to the touch. If there is an infection in the ulcer, you will notice a strong foul smell and pus as well.
What are the Home Remedies for Venous Ulcers?
Venous ulcers are usually formed above the ankle. Although these have an unsightly appearance and are a huge discomfort, there are numerous at-home remedies in the form of simple tips that help fast-track the healing of these wounds. Let us learn about these home remedies below:
Cleansing the wound– It is vital to keep the skin around the wound absolutely dry and clean at all times. This will prevent the ulcer from spreading to the nearby healthy tissues. Ask your doctor for tips on cleaning the wound and doing the bandage. Always clean the ulcer wound before applying the new bandage.
Wearing compression stockings– Compression stockings are tight-fighting garments that help improve the blood flow back to the heart and reduce swelling. These are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Ensure to ask the doctor about the recommended size and usage. Do not cover the wound with these support stockings.
Elevating your legs – As and when possible, lie down and use a pile of pillows to elevate your legs at a level above the heart. This promotes proper blood circulation and offers relief from pain and swelling.
Having a daily exercise routine– Maintaining a good activity level helps improve blood flow and aids in the healing process of venous ulcers. Make an exercise routine. You can choose between brisk walking, swimming, and other low-impact exercises.
How to Treat Venous Ulcers?
If you do not get much relief from the home remedies, you must consult a vascular expert and seek medical advice to treat the infection at the venous ulcer and prevent the formation of new ulcers. The specialist doctors will not only help you heal the venous ulcer wound but will most certainly assist you in treating the underlying cause of these ulcers i.e. varicose veins. To prevent new ulcers from developing in the damaged area, it is essential to restore blood circulation by treating the varicose veins.
Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified interventional radiologist and a highly trained vascular surgeon with over two decades of experience and 12000+ successful laparoscopic surgeries to his name! He specializes in the minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins and ensures faster recovery with zero downtime.
Do not be scared of going under the knife for the treatment of venous ulcers, as the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment is available at Avis Vascular Centre, Hyderabad’s leading medical institute for the treatment of all venous disorders. All doctors at Avis Vascular Centre use only the US FDA-approved procedures and follow all protocols of the American College of Phlebology for medical practice.
