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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Ulcers On The Legs Be Treated?

I have one small ulcer on each of my lower legs. The legs started weeping a week ago. There is no odor, swelling or pain, and I have changed dressings frequently. The bandages do not contain the weeping fluid. Today, the discharge is yellow/green. How do I keep fluid from getting on clothing and bed linen?

Thu, 16 Nov 2017
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Ayurveda Specialist,  's  Response
**
Thanks for contacting with your health concern

1. As the history of ulcer/weeping is one week ago, thus one has to exclude following causes of venous leg ulcer, is it:

- arterial: due to poor circulation in the arteries.
- diabetic: due to high blood sugar.
- vasculitic: due to any inflammatory disorder OR
- traumatic: due to injury to the leg.

PS. one has to also exclude venous insufficiency [incompetence of the valves] as the cause of the same.

2. Green color discharge [exudate] usually indicates infection by bacteria but since there is no odor, swelling or pain, it means that the exudate is being not managed properly, so contact your GP since he will carry out a physical examination and possibly other tests [possible doppler study] or might be referred to a vascular surgeon for conditions affecting the blood vessels.

3. As regular dressing is been done [more frequent than usual], so apart from that
- keep your legs elevated [whenever possible]
- limit salt intake.
- maintain proper hydration.
- take a course of antibiotics. [will control the infection and will not heal the ulcer, so short course is advised]

PS. once you have leg ulcer you are prone to develop another one, thus wearing compression stockings all the time [except when retiring to bed] can help reduce your risk of recurrence. Ask your doctor/nurse to help you find a compression stocking that fits you correctly.
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How Can Ulcers On The Legs Be Treated?

** Thanks for contacting with your health concern 1. As the history of ulcer/weeping is one week ago, thus one has to exclude following causes of venous leg ulcer, is it: - arterial: due to poor circulation in the arteries. - diabetic: due to high blood sugar. - vasculitic: due to any inflammatory disorder OR - traumatic: due to injury to the leg. PS. one has to also exclude venous insufficiency [incompetence of the valves] as the cause of the same. 2. Green color discharge [exudate] usually indicates infection by bacteria but since there is no odor, swelling or pain, it means that the exudate is being not managed properly, so contact your GP since he will carry out a physical examination and possibly other tests [possible doppler study] or might be referred to a vascular surgeon for conditions affecting the blood vessels. 3. As regular dressing is been done [more frequent than usual], so apart from that - keep your legs elevated [whenever possible] - limit salt intake. - maintain proper hydration. - take a course of antibiotics. [will control the infection and will not heal the ulcer, so short course is advised] PS. once you have leg ulcer you are prone to develop another one, thus wearing compression stockings all the time [except when retiring to bed] can help reduce your risk of recurrence. Ask your doctor/nurse to help you find a compression stocking that fits you correctly.