Leg Ulcer: 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 severe complications like repeated hospitalizations and disabilities.

Causes

The main causes of leg ulcers include venous ulcers, the most common, resulting from venous hypertension due to varicose veins or valve incompetence. These ulcers are generally located above the medial malleolus, are not very painful, and are often associated with skin problems like dermatitis. Arterial ulcers appear due to poor arterial circulation. They are very painful, often multiple, and primarily located at extremities like 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 vary according to their origin. Venous ulcers are generally large, not very painful, and located above the medial malleolus. The surrounding skin often presents complications like dermatitis. In contrast, arterial ulcers are smaller, very painful, and appear at extremities. These are often associated with cold, hairless skin. Signs such as edema, varicose veins, or ischemia may accompany these ulcers.

Progression

The prognosis varies depending on the cause. Venous ulcers heal well under appropriate treatment but may recur. Arterial ulcers, however, are harder to treat, and without surgical correction, the risk of amputation increases in case of necrosis.

Treatments

Treatment of leg ulcers is divided into two aspects: treating the underlying cause and treating the ulcer itself. 3; For venous ulcers, methods like elastic compression, venous surgery, or sclerotherapy are used. 3; For arterial ulcers, vasodilators, interventions to unblock arteries, or bypasses may be necessary. In case of necrosis, surgery is often required. The local treatment follows several stages: 3; Debridement phase to clean the ulcer and remove dead tissues, often using hydrogels or alginates. 3; Granulation phase with adapted dressings to encourage healing. 3; Reepithelialization phase, sometimes accompanied by skin grafts for more severe ulcers.