ion. Other, more severe cases of venous insufficiency may require advanced procedures such as sclerotherapy, ablation and vein stripping. By cutting off blood flow from damaged veins and redirecting it to healthier veins, these procedures ensure that blood can properly flow back to the heart. Only a qualified medical professional can determine which form of treatment is suitable for an individual after a full review of their medical history.
Venous Skin Ulcer Treatment
Aside from causing complications with blood flow, conditions of the vascular system can also affect the skin and other systems of the body. Also known as a stasis leg ulcer, a venous skin ulcer is a small wound that appears on the skin when the leg veins do not carry blood back to the heart, a condition known as venous insufficiency. Venous skin ulcers develop on the lower leg as a complication of long-term untreated venous insufficiency, and can cause pain, odor, pus, tenderness and redness. Treating venous skin ulcers is usually effective, but this condition can often be prevented by treating venous insufficiency as soon as it occurs.
Patients with untreated venous insufficiency have a high risk of ulcers forming in areas where blood is building up. Pregnant women, as well as those who suffer from deep vein thrombosis and/or obesity, have an increased risk of developing ulcers. Patients can help reduce their risk of developing ulcers by avoiding smoking and alcohol, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and taking frequent breaks from standing for long periods of time.
It is important to treat venous skin ulcers as soon as they appear to help facilitate the healing process and prevent infection. Most venous skin ulcers can be treated by improving circulation in the affected area. This can be done by elevating your legs above the level of your heart and by wearing compression stockings to prevent blood from building up in the legs. Skin grafting or vein surgery may be needed to treat ulcers that do not heal within six months or that become infected. Dr. Chideckel will decide which treatment option is best for you.