A leg ulcer is a condition that is most commonly seen on the ankle and the lower leg. It is often caused by a poor circulation with age, arterial disease and smoking as risk factors. Persons who are immobile are prone to prolonged pressure on a specific skin area, resulting in the development of bed sores. Diabetics are also likely to experience leg ulcers as well as people with high cholesterol, circulatory problems and poor diet. Age is also a significant factor that can cause leg ulcers occur. Failure to properly take care of a leg ulcer can result in more serious complications.
The information posted on this page for management of a leg ulcer is for learning purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage injuries, illnesses and issues such as leg ulcer’s enroll in a first aid and / or CPR course with a training provider near you.
Identifying the symptoms of leg ulcers
Leg ulcers usually appear as an asymmetrical shaped wound, but with the surrounding skin remaining. Swelling may appear around the area. In certain cases, the surrounding skin of the wound will appear callous, hardened and pigmented. The areas where leg ulcers usually develop are on the leg and ankle because there are bony prominence’s that tend to add more pressure to the skin where the wound begins to form. To a certain extent, where the wound is more severe, a yellowish white pus also appears. This is called pus that may have an unpleasant odor. Individuals with a varicose vein in the leg are also prone to developing leg ulcers.
Treatment and first aid for a leg ulcer
At the onset of a leg ulcer, conservative treatment or first aid wound management is often performed. Early treatment of the wound is necessary in order to deter the occurrence of complications. The following are the practical first aid at the onset of a leg ulcer:
- Clean the wound using a wet and then dry dressing.
- Remove dead tissues around the wound if there are any.
- Apply an ointment medication for a wound.
- Use specialized dressings that will not stick to the wound and may remove the healthy skin tissues during removal and changing of the dressings. An airtight dressing can help the wound heal faster, even when it is covered.
- Change the dressing regularly and apply medication each time.
- Provide pain medications and oral antibiotics to prevent wound infection.
- Take vitamin supplements to help the body become stronger with the better ability to heal its tissues and cells.
When to see a doctor
Take the person with a leg ulcer to a doctor immediately when the wound does not get better despite conservative treatment, when the wound begins to show discoloration or continues to swell and when a pus is draining out of the wound.
Reference:
Better Health Channel. Leg Ulcers. Retrieved on June 13, 2014 from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Leg_ulcers