Varicose ulcer

Varicose ulcers or venous ulcers occur as a result of malfunctioning of venous valves causing increased pressure in the veins. The resulting venous hypertension causes venous stasis when the blood is not efficiently pumped back towards the heart, the condition known as venous insufficiency. The increase in pressure stretches the venous walls, allowing the tissue fluid in the blood to leak into the adjacent tissues, resulting in edema. This prevents the oxygen and nutrients from flowing to the surrounding tissues and this, in turn, leads to necrosis and ulceration. If this happens, it weakens the skin and makes it harder for a cut or wound to heal. This phenomenon mostly occurs over bony areas, such as the ankles. A venous ulcer usually occurs in the leg and is very slow to heal due to lack of oxygen from weak circulation.

Signs and symptoms of Varicose Ulcers

• A rash or dry skin
• Itching or burning of the skin on the leg called stasis dermatitis
• Brownish or purple discoloration
• Heaviness and cramping with associated edema
• Shallow ulcer with irregular, sloping edges
• Foul-smelling fluid or pus oozing from the ulcer
• Redness and swelling of the surrounding skin
• Moderate pain, which improves on elevation of the leg

Causes of Varicose Ulcers

• Venous insufficiency
• Varicose veins
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, or heart failure
• Family history of venous ulcers or varicose veins
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Injuries such as a fracture of a bone in the leg
• Old age

Risk Factors

• Diabetes mellitus
• Congestive heart failure
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

Complications of Varicose Ulcers

Most common complications include an infection of the affected tissue, which heal very slowly.

Prevention of Varicose Ulcers

• Some of the ways to prevent varicose ulcers are:
• Quit smoking
• Exercise regularly and lose weight
• Reduce the amount of salt in diet
• Exercise regularly
• Wear compression stockings
• Keep your legs elevated whenever possible
• Try to avoid prolonged sitting or standing
• Avoid crossing legs while sitting
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing and footwear
• Prevent injury and infection in legs and feet
• Keep the blood sugar level and blood pressure under control

Wound Care and Management of Varicose Ulcers

• Try to keep the ulcer infection-free and to remove the dead tissue and surface contamination.
• Always dress the wound on time to avoid infection.
• Maintain cleanliness and dryness around dressing and surrounding skin.
• Wear a stocking or bandages over the dressing.
• Elevate the feet above the heart as often as possible.
• Exercise regularly.

Best Homeopathic Medicines for Varicose Ulcers

Acidum Fluoricum: It is one of the best homeopathic medicines used to treat varicose ulcers with severe burning pains. The ulcers have red edges and there may be the formation of vesicles. Itching with a burning sensation, a swollen leg, and relief by using cold applications.

Calendula officinalis: It is indicated for varicose ulcers with lot of pus discharges. Inflammation and stinging pains in the ulcer. The ulcer is deep, with red, ragged edges.

Lachesis: It is a homeopathic medicine used to treat varicose ulcers where the surface of the ulcer is uneven and looks dirty. The skin around the ulcer looks purplish or bluish-black. Burning sensation in the ulcers at night. Thin, offensive discharge from the ulcers.

Pulsatilla nigricans: Varicose ulcers that itch. The ulcer looks red and is hard to touch. Excoriating sensation in the ulcer better on exposure to cold or open air. The discharges are greenish aor yellowish in colour.

Carbo Vegetabilis: It is indicated for varicose ulcers that bleed easily on slightest touch. Purple colored ulcers and the skin surrounding it feels tense. The ulcer has a mottled purple color appearance Foul-smelling pus discharges with blood.

Arnica montana: It helps to relieves pain, bruising and swelling of the varicose ulcers associated with trauma or overexertion.

Hamamelis: It is one of the most effective medicines to treat varicose veins. It stops the bleeding from the veins. It also offers relief from pain and from a sensation of heaviness of the legs.

Calcarea carbonica: It is indicated for varicose veins without any pain. Burning sensation in the veins with cold hands and feet.

Graphites: For varicose veins that is accompanied with itching and cramping.

Vipera: It is the best remedy for enlarged veins accompanied by cramps in the lower limbs. The patient has to keep the limbs elevated to avoid pain.

Bellis perennis: It is the best homeopathic medicine for varicose veins during pregnancy. Varicose veins with bruises and aching in the limbs. Marbled skin or blue, cold and bruised skin.

Some of the best products for varicose veins and ulcers from Schwabe India are Aesuclus pentarkan, Topi heal cream, Calcarea flouricum 6x and various high quality mother tinctures such as, Hamamelis Q, Calendula Q, Echinacea Q, etc.