Trophic ulcers of the extremities are very common. This pathology is not considered an independent disease and is the result of any serious problems in the body. Naturally, it is worthwhile to understand the causes of the appearance of this ailment, as well as learn how to treat it.
Why does pathology appear?
If you are diagnosed with
trophic ulcers, treatment at home can give a positive result. However, before starting it, try to find out the causes of the appearance of the pathology. The following factors can lead to the development of a problem:
- heart failure, vascular disease;
- blood flow problems, especially in the limbs;
- diabetes;
- chronic dermatitis that is poorly healed or has turned into a very neglected form;
- frostbite and burns;
- atherosclerosis;
- inflammatory processes in the lymphatic system;
- any infectious or systemic diseases.
Symptoms of pathology
A trophic ulcer, a photo of which you can observe in the article, has a standard manifestation. That is, pathology is characterized by damage to the integrity of the skin, as well as the mucous membrane. The ulcer can be quite deep and extensive, which complicates its healing. Characteristic of such a pathology is the occurrence of relapses and difficult long-term treatment.
On its own, the wound practically does not heal and can progress, so the intervention of doctors in this case is necessary. A trophic ulcer, the photo of which you have already seen, may have an oval or rounded shape and uneven edges. The skin in the affected area is compacted. Often the wound begins to fester. In this case, the patient may feel pain.
In addition, the disease may have the following symptoms:
- muscle cramps at night;
- itching and burning in the wound area;
- the appearance of spots of red or burgundy.
Varieties of pathology
If you have trophic ulcers, treatment at home should only begin after their type has been determined. You can classify a disease like this.
- Wounds caused by insufficiency of large blood vessels.
- Ulcers caused by impaired lymphatic drainage.
- Damage resulting from injuries.
- Neurotrophic ulcers.
- Wounds caused by systemic pathologies of the body.
- Ulcers caused by infectious or parasitic skin diseases.
- Damage caused by dermatological neoplasms.
- Mixed ulcers, as well as those wounds whose origin is difficult to determine.
Features of the diagnosis of pathology
If you know that you have trophic ulcers, treatment at home should be done only after confirmation of the diagnosis by a specialist. In principle, it is not difficult to determine this disease, since the characteristic symptoms help to draw mixed conclusions. However, it is impossible to find out the causes of the appearance of wounds without a thorough examination.
Among the standard methods for establishing an accurate diagnosis there is a smear made from the surface of the wound, blood tests. Naturally, consultations with a neurologist, cardiologist, and vascular specialist are needed. An important step in the process of determining pathology is the installation of localization of wounds, their appearance.
Almost no technical equipment is required for the survey.
What complications are possible?
Trophic ulcers in diabetes, the treatment of which requires a special approach, as well as wounds that arose due to other causes, can give certain unpleasant consequences. Complications in some cases are more difficult to cure than the pathology itself. Among them, one can distinguish such states as:
- eczema, dermatitis, erysipelas, as well as various infectious skin diseases;
- thrombophlebitis;
- persistent heavy bleeding;
- tetanus;
- infection with small insect larvae, which continue to aggravate the patient's condition.
Naturally, a doctor may prescribe different treatments for trophic ulcers. However, he does this only after a thorough examination. Self-medication in this case is not worth it, since you can bring the situation to oncological pathology of the skin.
Traditional and radical elimination of the disease
Trophic ulcers in diabetes, the treatment of which requires increased attention from the therapist, dermatologist and endocrinologist, are usually eliminated by medication. Naturally, this is complicated by poor blood coagulation, so folk remedies in this case are not always recommended.
So, the treatment regimen provides daily dressings with zinc, which not only disinfects the wound, but also contributes to its healing. Be sure to prescribe medications to the patient that improve blood flow. In case of infection of ulcers, antibiotics are used. For washing ulcers, drugs such as Miramistin, Iodopyron, Lavasept are used. The remedy "Streptocide" contributes to healing.
If you have a trophic ulcer, treatment (ointment is not recommended by doctors, as it prevents the wound from healing) may include surgical methods to fix the problem. An operation is required if vascular pathology has led to the disease.
Keep in mind that you will also have to eat right and take multivitamin complexes.
Folk recipes
If you have a trophic ulcer, folk remedies can be very effective in eliminating it. Several recipes will help you.
- Dressings with onions, willow bark and marigolds. All raw materials must be carefully crushed to a state of porridge. Next, all the ingredients should be mixed and pour boiling water. The product should be infused warm in the morning. After that, two large spoons of honey should be added to the mixture. Use the product as follows: moisten gauze in the prepared liquid and attach to the wound. Apply the substance until complete recovery. After using the product, it is better to treat the wound with sea buckthorn oil.
- Aloe juice can be used to disinfect ulcers. Naturally, the plant must be middle-aged.
- Good helps birch tar. Before applying it, rinse the affected area with vodka. Next, the substance is applied to gauze and applied to the ulcer. You need to change the bandage every 2-3 days. Treatment should be until complete recovery.
- Homemade cottage cheese also helps get rid of wounds. You need to cook it yourself. The serum that remains after preparation is used to wash the ulcers. Then cottage cheese is applied to it, covered with parchment paper and bandaged. The compress should be removed after an hour, and then treat the affected area with any antiseptic.
Features of nutrition and exercise therapy
If you have been diagnosed with trophic ulcers, home treatment will help speed recovery. However, you should also fix your diet. First of all, exclude alcohol, carbonated drinks, fried meat, and foods from fast-food establishments from it. Try to eat vegetables and fruits rich in fiber, vitamin D, E and calcium.
Physiotherapeutic methods also give a good effect. For example, exercise therapy helps strengthen muscles and blood vessels. In most cases, the patient is recommended to wear compression underwear, to avoid hypothermia. At the first symptoms of varicose veins, try to see a doctor. Timely treatment of such pathologies will help to avoid the appearance of ulcers.
Prevention
To prevent the presented disease is better than treating it later. Therefore, try to make every effort so that the wounds do not develop. Lead the right way of life: do your best physical work, walk a lot, do not sit in one place for a long time. Treat all inflammatory and infectious processes in time, especially if they are associated with the heart and blood vessels.
Wear compression underwear periodically, especially if you have varicose veins. If you have a burn or frostbite, be sure to treat it. Do not let the situation worsen. If the ulcer appears, contact a doctor immediately. Otherwise, the treatment may drag on for months, or even years.
We do not advise you to self-diagnose and fix the problem. This can lead to a worsening situation. That's all the features of the fight against trophic ulcers. Be patient and be healthy!