How to Help Heal a Venous Ulcer of the Leg

A venous leg ulcer is a chronic, nonhealing wound and occurs in individuals who have problems with the veins in their legs. Pressure gets too high in the veins, and this causes a breakdown of tissues that usually occurs around the ankles. Once you have an ulcer, it is common to get more leg ulcers if you do not correct the underlying problem. Individuals who do not seek treatment may develop complications, such as an ulcer increasing in size, infection or in extreme cases could potentially lose a limb.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Saline
• Clean towels
• Sterile dressings such as 4-by-4s, foam pad and Kerlix
• Tape
• Compression stockings
• Pillows
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

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Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment to see a physician who specializes in venous disease. The physician will not only treat the ulcer but also determine what caused the ulcer.

• 2

  Clean wounds daily to remove bacteria, pus or wound debris, and keep wounds dry. Clean wounds with saline or antibacterial liquid soap. Use sterile dressings to facilitate healing of the ulcer.

• 3

  Wear adequate compression. Your physician or nurse will assist you with buying the right kind of stockings. Compression stockings should be fitted properly to provide 30 to 40 mmHg of pressure. Compression helps control swelling in the legs and thereby decreases high pressure in veins that drain the ulcer.

• 4

  Elevate your legs as often as possible during the day to assist with venous blood return. You can use pillows while sitting on the couch or lying in bed.

• 5

  Take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. This decreases the anti-inflammatory response and helps with the pain.

• 6

  Do your own research because new techniques are being developed to treat venous ulcers.