Skin Ulcers

Health Condition

Skin Ulcers

About This Condition

Skin ulcers are open sores that are often accompanied by the sloughing-off of inflamed tissue.

Skin ulcers can be caused by a variety of events, such as trauma, exposure to heat or cold, problems with blood circulation, or irritation from exposure to corrosive material. Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores, are skin ulcers that develop on areas of the body where the blood supply has been reduced because of prolonged pressure; these may occur in people confined to bed or a chair, or in those who must wear a hard brace or plaster cast. Skin ulcers may become infected, with serious health consequences. Other health conditions that can cause skin ulcers include mouth ulcers (canker sores), chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, infection, and peripheral vascular disease.

Symptoms

People with a skin ulcer may have an area of reddened skin. In advanced cases, people may have areas where the skin is open and oozing fluid.

Other Therapies

Healthcare providers recommend shifting position at least every two hours to avoid sustained pressure on the same area of the body. Some people might benefit from special mattresses or supports. For skin ulcers in general, wound dressings need to be changed frequently. Severe cases might require surgery to remove diseased tissue and to repair the wound.

References

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30. Ramasastry, SS, Angel MF, Narayanan K, et al. Biochemical evidence of lipoperoxidation in venous stasis ulcer: Beneficial role of vitamin E as antioxidant. Ann NY Acad Sci 1989; 506-8.

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49. Houwing R, Overgoor M, Kon M, et al. Pressure-induced skin lesions in pigs: reperfusion injury and the effects of vitamin E. J Wound Care 2000; 9:36-40.

50. Lucero MJ, Vigo J, Rabasco AM, et al. Protection by alpha-tocopherol against skin necrosis induced by doxorubicin hydrochloride. Pharmazie 1993;48:772-5.

51. Shukla A, Rasik AM, Patnaik GK. Depletion of reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidant defence enzymes in a healing cutaneous wound. Free Radic Res 1997;26:93-101.

52. Ramasastry, SS, Angel MF, Narayanan K, et al. Biochemical evidence of lipoperoxidation in venous stasis ulcer: Beneficial role of vitamin E as antioxidant. Ann NY Acad Sci 1989; 506-8.

53. Hammarlund C, Sundberg T. Hyperbaric oxygen reduced size of chronic leg ulcers: a randomized double-blind study. Plast Reconstr Surg 1994;93:829-34.

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62. Breslow RA, Hallfrisch J, Guy DG, et al. The importance of dietary protein in healing pressure ulcers. J Am Geriatr Soc 1993;41(4):357-62.

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Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

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