Leg ulcer: the most effective dietary supplements

A leg ulcer is a chronic wound that does not heal spontaneously. It is often caused by vascular disorders, such as venous or arterial insufficiency, and can lead to serious complications like repeated hospitalizations and disabilities.

Causes

The main causes of leg ulcers include venous ulcers, the most frequent, resulting from venous hypertension due to varicose veins or valve incompetence. These ulcers are generally located above the medial malleolus, are minimally painful, and are often associated with skin problems such as dermatitis. Arterial ulcers occur because of poor arterial circulation. They are very painful, often multiple, and are mainly located on the extremities such as the toes. Mixed ulcers, which combine venous and arterial causes, often complicate treatment. Other non-vascular factors, such as infections, neuropathies, or inflammations, can also cause ulcers.

Symptoms

Leg ulcers are distinguished by their origin. Venous ulcers are generally wide, minimally painful, and are located above the medial malleolus. The surrounding skin often shows complications such as dermatitis. In contrast, arterial ulcers are smaller, very painful, and appear on the extremities. The latter are often associated with cold, hairless skin. Signs such as oedema, varicose veins, or ischemia may accompany these ulcers.

Progression

The prognosis varies according to the cause. Venous ulcers heal well with appropriate treatment but may recur. Arterial ulcers, on the other hand, are more difficult to treat and, without surgical correction, the risk of amputation increases in cases of necrosis.

Treatments

The treatment of leg ulcers is divided into two aspects: treating the underlying cause and treating the ulcer itself. • For venous ulcers, methods such as elastic compression, venous surgery, or sclerotherapy are used. • For arterial ulcers, vasodilators, procedures to unblock the arteries, or bypass surgery may be necessary. In cases of necrosis, surgical intervention is often required. Local treatment follows several stages: • Debridement phase to clean the ulcer and remove dead tissue, often using hydrogels or alginates. • Granulation phase with appropriate dressings to encourage healing. • Epithelialization phase, sometimes accompanied by skin grafts for more severe ulcers.