Wounds that won't heal

Wounds that won't heal

If an ulcer does not heal in 4-6 weeks, it is called a chronic ulcer. The most common cause of chronic ulcers is reduced blood circulation. Both increased age and certain diseases can cause poorer blood circulation. Here you will find information about some of the most common types of chronic wounds. Chronic wounds must always be treated by healthcare professionals.

Leg ulcers

Leg ulcers are caused by poor blood circulation in the legs and it is usually older people who get leg ulcers. Blood circulation is either poor in the deep veins (blood vessels that carry blood from the legs to the heart) or in the arteries (arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs). We therefore distinguish between venous and arterial leg ulcers. Always contact a doctor if you have leg ulcers.

Venous leg ulcers: Leg ulcers caused by poor blood circulation in the deep veins are called venous leg ulcers and are the most common type of leg ulcer. Venous leg ulcers often occur on the inside of the leg. Varicose veins and previous blood clots are common causes of venous leg ulcers. With such leg ulcers, blood accumulates and increases pressure in the veins. This results in wounds that are often oozing, swollen and discolored. Eczema may occur. The pain is often relieved by elevating the legs.

When treating venous leg ulcers, it is important to prevent the blood from accumulating in the veins. Support stockings or compression therapy are used for this. The legs should be placed higher than the hips. Exercise improves blood circulation

Venous leg ulcers must be treated by a doctor and/or home care.

Arterial leg ulcers: Leg ulcers caused by poor blood circulation in the arteries are called arterial leg ulcers. Arterial leg ulcers often occur at the back of the leg, and they are usually smaller than the venous ulcers. Atherosclerosis is a common cause of arterial leg ulcers. Smokers, people with high blood pressure, the obese and diabetics are more prone to arterial leg ulcers than others. The reduced oxygen supply causes pain, and the skin becomes thin, bluish-pale, marbled and small wounds easily occur, often with marked wound edges, which will not heal. Untreated, it can lead to gangrene, and in the worst case, amputation.

Arterial leg ulcers must be treated by a doctor. In the case of arterial leg ulcers, compression treatment should not be used.

Pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, occur when pressure is applied to the skin over a long period of time. This means that the blood supply to the relevant area is reduced or prevented. Increased pressure against the skin over a longer period of time can cause the tissue to die and ulcers to form. The top layer of the skin is more resistant than the fatty tissue and muscles that lie beneath the skin, so even if the wound does not look large at once, the wound may be more extensive below the surface. Pressure ulcers are painful, and treatment often takes a long time and can be extensive. Impaired movement and prolonged illness can cause pressure ulcers and it is therefore important to prevent pressure ulcers as best as possible in such vulnerable groups by, for example, changing lying and sitting positions often, keeping the skin clean and dry, using pressure-relief mattresses and seat cushions, having smooth bedding, being active and have a healthy and protein-rich diet. The protein-rich nutritional drink Nutricia Cubitan has been specially developed for patients with pressure ulcers.

Treatment of pressure ulcers is carried out by a doctor or nurse.

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetics often have poorer blood circulation and often reduced sensitivity in the feet. This means that diabetics get ulcers on their feet more easily than others. It is therefore important to inspect your feet often and have good foot care if you are diabetic. Read more about foot care and diabetes.

Always contact a doctor if you have diabetes and get sores on your feet.

What can you do for wounds that won't heal?

• Don't overdo it, and use sunscreen with a high factor

• If you have diabetes, you should be careful with foot care

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Sources: Norwegian Electronic Medical Handbook, Norwegian Health Information Technology