Venous Stasis Ulcers

They're Not Just Hard To Look At...

Varicose veins, those often gnarled, bulging veins that appear raised on the surface of the skin, affect up to 50 percent of American women and between 40 to 45 percent of American men. In fact, varicose veins affect one out of two people over the age of 50. Often painful, they can have other conditions linked to them that cause more problems than what is obvious to the eye.

Along with being cosmetically unappealing and often painful, varicose veins can be very itchy and irritating. Most varicose veins are relatively benign, but they can also be very serious, leading to major complications as circulation is affected. The ability to stand for a long time can hinder work and skin conditions can end up in skin loss. Longstanding venous ulcers may also eventually develop into carcinoma or sarcoma.

What Causes Leg Ulcers?

Ulcers are sores that are open and do not heal properly. They may become chronic, returning often or never really going away. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) with ulceration is a common condition often associated with varicose veins. In the past, CVI was called postphlebitic syndrome and post-thrombotic syndrome. The new name includes another common cause, the absence of the valves that are normally present in the veins that regulate blood flow.

Venous stasis ulcers are usually found around the inner side of the leg, above the ankle where the pressure of the large veins is the greatest. At its base, the ulcer is red and covered with a yellow tissue or it may be discharging a yellow or green fluid. The edges of the ulcer are ragged, discolored and swollen and the collection of fluid leaves the skin tight and shiny. It feels warm or hot to the touch. Stasis skin changes may cause a discoloration that appears brown or purple on the lower leg. This condition is often chronic and can become complicated with infections of the skin and/or bone as well as it can cause permanent scarring.

How To Treat Venous Stasis Ulcers

Treatment of venous stasis ulcers requires addressing the cause rather than the symptoms of ulcers. The primary cause of venous stasis ulcers is poor circulation of the veins due to one of several different causes. The most common cause of poor circulation is varicose veins. However, congestive heart failure, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, and phlebitis are among the many other possible causes of venous stasis ulcers.

Once the condition causing the problem is discovered and under control, circulation to the area may improve as the swelling recedes. Raising the legs above the level of the heart is a good way to reduce swelling. Circulation is often improved through gentle exercise. To control infection at the site of the ulcer, antibiotic creams and dressings are used. The most effective way to handle the blood flow problems in the legs is with elastic stockings that cause a reduction in swelling.