The first signs of a leg ulcer are pain, itching and swelling in the leg and there may also be discolored or hardened skin around the leg ulcer and the sore might produce a foul smelling discharge as well.
An ulcer on the leg will look like a shallow sore on the leg with a red base and sometimes be covered by yellow tissue.
The leg ulcer may also have unevenly shaped borders and the surrounding skin may also be shiny, tight, warm or hot and be discolored.
Leg pain is also common with leg ulcers.
You can stop a leg ulcer from hurting by taking paracetamol or other painkillers that is prescribed by your doctor.
Also it's important to wear your compression bandage to help with the pain.
Taking some over the counter pain medication can also help stop the leg ulcer from hurting but prescription pain medicines work better.
Leg ulcers can be cured and most leg ulcers will heal within 3 to 4 months when they are treated by a doctor that is trained in compression therapy for leg ulcers.
Although some leg ulcers may take longer to heal and a small number of leg ulcers may never heal.
Treatment for leg ulcers involves the cleaning and dressing of the wound.
The fastest ways to get rid of leg ulcers include.
Cleaning the wound – using wet and dry dressings and ointments, or surgery to remove the dead tissue.
Using specialized dressings – a whole range of products are available to help the various stages of wound healing.
And occlusive (air- and water-tight) dressings – ulcers heal better when they are covered.
Chronic leg ulcers will require and need specialized wound care to prevent infection and aid healing.
Your doctor may recommend other treatments like medicines or procedures to improve blood flow to the leg.
Even after they heal, leg ulcers can break open again.
A leg ulcer or venous leg ulcer can develop after a minor injury if there's a problem with the circulation of blood in your leg veins.
This occurs when the pressure inside the veins increases.
And the constant high pressure can gradually damage the tiny blood vessels in your skin and make it fragile.
There are numerous signs that could indicate you are developing an ulcer on the leg.
Some of the signs and symptoms that are often associated with venous ulcers include discolored skin, usually around the ankles, that appears reddish-brown or purple. Skin that feels extremely dry.