Preventive of Venous Ulcers

If one has any evidence of varicose veins or the post phlebitic syndrome, you will be prone to developing a venous ulcer sometime in the future. Venous ulcers develop slowly so preventive measures can be instituted ahead of time. Venous ulcers are very unpleasant, treatment complex and prolonged. To avoid developing a venous ulcer, one should take the following preventive steps:



Foot Care: Try and prevent any unnecessary bruising or trauma to the leg. Even minor trauma can cause skin breakdown and lead to an ulcer. Keep the skin clean and dry. Do not damage the skin when cutting the nails. If the skin is dry, apply a moisturizing cream. If the skin is red or broken, you must see a physician immediately so that treatment can be instituted tight away.

Activity: Walk every day and exercise your legs. Avoid sitting and standing in one position for prolonged periods. If one is driving or flying long distance, try and walk every few hours. Any form of exercise is good as long as it involve use of the legs. The exercise stimulates the leg muscles and helps to squeeze the blood out of the legs. This prevents the swelling, pain and helps in the healing of the ulcer.

Leg Elevation: Elevation of the leg is key to prevention of venous ulcers. When resting elevate the legs at all times.



Clothing: Avoid wearing tight constriction clothing. Wear clothing which does not irritate the skin or cause pressure on the skin.

Prevent Injury: Avoid any type of trauma to the skin. Never scratch or break the skin. Do not shave and protect the skin from excess heat or cold. Wear protective shoes and avoid walking barefoot. Avoid the use of strong chemicals, acids or solvents on the leg. Despite the numerous chemicals and antibiotics advocated for wound care, most are harmful and prevent healing of the wound. Warm water is excellent for wound care.

Smoking: This habit is not good if you want to heal the venous ulcer. Smoking is bad for overall health and thus one should simply quit smoking.

Compression garments: If one has any evidence of varicose veins or venous insufficiency, compression hoses are perhaps the best preventive measures that one can use. These garments must be worn regularly and can prevent worsening of the ulcer. When worn on a daily basis, the stockings not only prevent ulcer formation but prevent the leg aches, pain and fatigue.