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Ulcers & Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder, can cause many complications. A common complication is a skin ulcer found in the lower portion of the leg. Skin ulcers can be treated through noninvasive and surgical methods, but the best course of action is prevention.

  1. Sickle Cell Disease

    • Sickle cell disease (also known as sickle cell anemia) is a genetic disorder in which your red blood cells are shaped like crescent moons instead of round. The problem is that red blood cells are supposed to carry oxygen molecules through your circulatory system. The sickle shape prevents it from carrying the molecules efficiently. Sickled red blood cells also tend to get stuck in blood vessels, preventing or slowing blood flow. There is no cure for sickle cell disease, only treatment for the symptoms and complications.

    Ulcers

    • Although ulcers are most commonly associated with the stomach lining, an ulcer is any discontinuation of skin from loss of skin layers. Ulcers can be found many places, including veins, eyes and genitals. Nevertheless, sickle cell sufferers are most often afflicted by leg ulcers. It generally starts with some sort of trauma, such as a bug bite or scratch. Sickled cells often block blood vessels and prevent blood flow. When blood is not allowed to flow to certain areas, it can prevent the skin from healing itself, setting the stage for a skin ulcer.

    Symptoms and Diagnosis

    • Leg ulcers will appear as small raised sores. In some cases, there will be some crusting on top of the sore. They usually appear in the lower third of the leg. They also occur most often between the ages of 10 and 50. Men are also more likely to develop them than females. In most cases, your health care provider will diagnose your leg ulcer by simply examining the area.

    Treatment

    • The first line of treatment in a sickle cell-induced skin ulcer is some sort of dressing or topical treatment. This is to keep the area hydrated and prevent infection. The dressing may also be combined with compression therapy to prevent edema and promote blood flow during the healing period. Depending on the type of dressing, your skin ulcer may heal in a matter of weeks or up to three months. In the worst cases, your ulcer may require surgery to graft new skin to area. However, these surgeries are often failures because healthy circulation is required for a successful skin graft.

    Prevention

    • You cannot prevent sickle cell disease because it is a genetic disease, but you can prevent complications like leg ulcers. Healthy circulation is essential to preventing leg ulcers. Wear compression garments on your leg and keep your leg elevated when you are able to. Avoid sodium and other electrolytes that will cause you to retain water. You should also promptly treat any injuries you have on your legs to avoid infections and the development of skin ulcers.

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