If you have an open sore that looks deep and won't heal, it could be a skin ulcer. There are several types of skin ulcers based on the cause. Treatment for skin ulcers needs to be given according to the type of ulcer and the underlying cause.
Skin ulcers or often also called ulcers are open wounds that are difficult to heal and often recur. Wounds experienced by people with skin ulcers are not caused by injury, but the impact of a certain health disorder.
When you have a disease or condition that causes blood flow to a certain part of your body is not smooth, then that part of the body will be at risk for developing ulcers.
Recognize the Symptoms of Skin Ulcers
In the early stages, the injured skin will turn reddish in color and feel warm to the touch. This condition is usually accompanied by an unbearable stinging sensation, pain, and itching. Over time, the sores will damage the skin and cause open sores.
As it gets worse, the edges of the wound will protrude and may ooze blood or pus. If the skin ulcer is oozing pus, it is a sign that the wound is infected.
Know the Different Types of Skin Ulcers Based on the Cause
Based on the cause, skin ulcers are divided into several types, namely:
1. Decubitus ulcer
This type of ulcer is caused by pressure or friction that occurs continuously on one part of the body. This pressure causes blood flow in the skin's blood vessels to be disrupted, causing the skin to become damaged and cause injury.
This condition is usually experienced by people whose body movements are limited due to suffering from a condition, such as paralysis or stroke. In people with paralysis, decubitus ulcers on the skin often appear in the buttocks or back area because they are often in a wheelchair or lie down for too long.
2. Leg vein ulcer
Venous ulcer or venous ulcers is the most common type of ulcer. Someone who suffers from obesity, hypertension, blood clotting disorders, heart failure, and pregnant women, are more at risk of developing this type of ulcer.
The cause is a disorder of the veins in the legs which makes the blood flow from the feet and legs to the heart not smooth. Disorders of these blood vessels are also known as varicose veins.
Over time, the blood flow that is not smooth in the feet will cause skin damage, resulting in skin ulcers on the feet. Venous ulcers usually appear on the feet or lower legs, such as the heels and knees.
3. Ischemic ulcer
This type of ulcer is similar to a leg vein ulcer. Arterial skin ulcers can also appear on the lower legs, such as the feet, heels, or toes. The difference is, the disturbance that occurs is not in the veins, but the arteries.
A number of factors can increase a person's risk of developing arterial skin ulcers, including smoking habits or suffering from certain diseases, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney failure, atherosclerosis, or peripheral artery disease.
4. Diabetic ulcers
This condition is a common complication experienced by diabetics. Diabetic ulcers, also known as neuropathic ulcers, are sores that occur due to nerve damage due to narrowing of blood vessels or uncontrolled high blood sugar levels.
This condition makes blood flow in certain parts of the body not smooth, making it prone to ulcers.
How to Treat Skin Ulcers?
Treatment of skin ulcers will be tailored to the type of ulcer. For example, for ulcers caused by high blood sugar, the doctor will provide treatment to reduce blood sugar and keep it stable.
In addition to addressing the cause, the doctor will also provide treatment for the ulcer, namely by:
Clean and treat wounds
In dealing with skin ulcers, the doctor will clean the wound and apply ointment to the ulcer. The ointment given can be in the form of an antibiotic ointment or a special gel for ulcers (hydrogel). Then the doctor will cover the wound with a bandage to keep the ulcer clean and prevent infection from germs.
After that, the doctor will provide further instructions so that you can properly treat the wound at home.
Giving medicine
Giving drugs from doctors aims to relieve symptoms and support wound healing. If the skin ulcer is sore or painful, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever. As for ulcers or wounds that show signs of infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics in the form of ointments or oral medications.
Perform surgery
Surgery is generally needed to treat skin ulcers that are very severe or have severe infections. In such cases, the doctor can perform cleaning and removal of dead or infected tissue (debridement). After that, if possible the doctor may perform a skin graft to close the large ulcer and stimulate the growth of new skin tissue in the wound.
The choice of surgical steps performed will be adjusted to the severity and comorbidities of each patient.
In order not to get worse or recur frequently, skin ulcers need to be treated and treated properly. Therefore, if you have ulcers or ulcers on the skin, consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment.
