How long should I treat an ulceration from sclerotherapy with a prescribed burn cream?

I am at week 10 dealing with this ulceration. First it was treated with antibiotics and Bactrian now I am using a burn cream. It is on the lower shin. Is it normal for healing to take this long? Is there a more effective medicine or procedure to promote healing?

Answers from doctors (14)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Apr 20, 2020

There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to wounds. If the vein problem has been completely treated, then wound care can take some time. It depends on how long the wound has been there, how large the wound is, and how deep. Is there any unhealthy tissue that is being treated so it can be removed? There are a lot of different medications that can be used to treat these wounds. Some may require wound therapy like wound VACs to get the wounds to heal. Some require hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Some wounds require skin grafts. Without seeing the wound, it's hard to give a firm opinion.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to wounds. If the vein problem has been completely treated, then wound care can take some time. It depends on how long the wound has been there, how large the wound is, and how deep. Is there any unhealthy tissue that is being treated so it can be removed? There are a lot of different medications that can be used to treat these wounds. Some may require wound therapy like wound VACs to get the wounds to heal. Some require hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Some wounds require skin grafts. Without seeing the wound, it's hard to give a firm opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on May 09, 2015

This spot is on the bone and once this happens it takes a while to heal.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

This spot is on the bone and once this happens it takes a while to heal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of New Mexico

Published on May 01, 2015

Your ulcer should be healing in terms of displaying red granulation tissue. Your doctor or someone skilled in wound management should consider debriding the ulcer to stimulate granulations by removing any dead tissue, which may be interfering with healing. Consider a wound center, however not all such centers achieve rapid results.

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Answered by Vein Center of New Mexico

Your ulcer should be healing in terms of displaying red granulation tissue. Your doctor or someone skilled in wound management should consider debriding the ulcer to stimulate granulations by removing any dead tissue, which may be interfering with healing. Consider a wound center, however not all such centers achieve rapid results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Published on Apr 30, 2015

Vascular disease can be a cause of slowly healing wounds of the lower extremities. As a result, I highly recommend that you see a vascular specialist such as an interventional radiologist who can perform a venous duplex mapping and arterial duplex ultrasound and then discuss results and possible treatment options with you.

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Answered by Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Vascular disease can be a cause of slowly healing wounds of the lower extremities. As a result, I highly recommend that you see a vascular specialist such as an interventional radiologist who can perform a venous duplex mapping and arterial duplex ultrasound and then discuss results and possible treatment options with you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor St. Louis Vein Center

Published on Apr 29, 2015

Ulcerations from sclerotherapy or any other cause take a long time to heal. Many factors affect the rate of healing of ulcers. The size of the ulcer, the depth of the ulcer, overall health of the patient [diabetes etc], whether or there is underlying venous or arterial insufficiency, and the care of the ulcer [eg the ulcer bed should be kept moist but not too goopy]. Even with the best care, ulcers can take months to heal. Wishing you the quickest possible recovery.

Answered by St. Louis Vein Center (View Profile)

Ulcerations from sclerotherapy or any other cause take a long time to heal. Many factors affect the rate of healing of ulcers. The size of the ulcer, the depth of the ulcer, overall health of the patient [diabetes etc], whether or there is underlying venous or arterial insufficiency, and the care of the ulcer [eg the ulcer bed should be kept moist but not too goopy]. Even with the best care, ulcers can take months to heal. Wishing you the quickest possible recovery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Texas Vein And Cosmetic Specialists

Published on Apr 28, 2015

The key to getting a wound to heal is to have a good blood supply, control infection and to keep it clean. The lower skin has an adequate blood supply, but it isn't great. This may be part of the reason why it is taking longer to heal. Also size matters, larger wounds take longer than small wounds to heal, if all other factors are the same. The burn cream is also used for other wounds, and is effective. If the wound is large, it's going to take a while.

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Answered by Texas Vein And Cosmetic Specialists

The key to getting a wound to heal is to have a good blood supply, control infection and to keep it clean. The lower skin has an adequate blood supply, but it isn't great. This may be part of the reason why it is taking longer to heal. Also size matters, larger wounds take longer than small wounds to heal, if all other factors are the same. The burn cream is also used for other wounds, and is effective. If the wound is large, it's going to take a while.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center

Published on Apr 28, 2015

It can take a few months for a sclerotherapy treatment ulcer to heal depending on how large it is. You should go back to the treating physician to have it evaluated if you have not already done so. We usually use a hydrocolloidal bandage until the ulcer has filled in. It has to heal from the inside to the outer skin. Antibiotics and antibiotic ointment are not usually indicated.

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Answered by Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center

It can take a few months for a sclerotherapy treatment ulcer to heal depending on how large it is. You should go back to the treating physician to have it evaluated if you have not already done so. We usually use a hydrocolloidal bandage until the ulcer has filled in. It has to heal from the inside to the outer skin. Antibiotics and antibiotic ointment are not usually indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 28, 2015

Ulcerations from sclerotherapy typically occur on the shin area of the lower leg. Sclerotherapy here must be done cautiously. Small ulcerations can heal over 8-12 weeks. Larger ones may need skin graft.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Ulcerations from sclerotherapy typically occur on the shin area of the lower leg. Sclerotherapy here must be done cautiously. Small ulcerations can heal over 8-12 weeks. Larger ones may need skin graft.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Apr 28, 2015

Bactroban is a great ointment to use and combining it with compressive layered bandaging should heal the ulceration in 4-12 weeks, depending on its size. Make sure you are seeing a vascular specialist, as there are other types of ulcers which need different therapy.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

Bactroban is a great ointment to use and combining it with compressive layered bandaging should heal the ulceration in 4-12 weeks, depending on its size. Make sure you are seeing a vascular specialist, as there are other types of ulcers which need different therapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 28, 2015

You didn't mention how large the area is. This is rare in most practices. Silvadene cream is appropriate but to stimulate granulation from the base of the wound, you should "scrub" gently to remove residue (slough). This can be done with gauze, and clean wash cloth. Some bleeding is ok also. Reapply the Silvadene and wrap. Do not use non-stick dressing. You want to be able to remove debris from the base of the wound. This takes time as the wound must heal from below.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You didn't mention how large the area is. This is rare in most practices. Silvadene cream is appropriate but to stimulate granulation from the base of the wound, you should "scrub" gently to remove residue (slough). This can be done with gauze, and clean wash cloth. Some bleeding is ok also. Reapply the Silvadene and wrap. Do not use non-stick dressing. You want to be able to remove debris from the base of the wound. This takes time as the wound must heal from below.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 28, 2015

If your ulceration developed after sclerotherapy treatment, you actually have a chemical burn. It is not a venous ulceration. A chemical burn is basically like you burned your leg with a hot pot. Depending on how deep the burn, the longer it will take to heal. That said, expect for it to take months to completely heal in.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

If your ulceration developed after sclerotherapy treatment, you actually have a chemical burn. It is not a venous ulceration. A chemical burn is basically like you burned your leg with a hot pot. Depending on how deep the burn, the longer it will take to heal. That said, expect for it to take months to completely heal in.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Destin Vein Center

Published on Apr 28, 2015

Yes, ulceration is a dreaded complication, but it can happen even when everything is done correctly, especially over the shin. Ask your doctor for a prescription for a mepilex patch, which you will cut to the size of your wound and tape the patch over the wound. The patch has silver in it, which promotes healing by inhibiting bacteria at the site. Get a referral to the nearest "wound care" center which is available at every hospital within the physical therapy outpatient program. www.destinvein.com

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Answered by Destin Vein Center

Yes, ulceration is a dreaded complication, but it can happen even when everything is done correctly, especially over the shin. Ask your doctor for a prescription for a mepilex patch, which you will cut to the size of your wound and tape the patch over the wound. The patch has silver in it, which promotes healing by inhibiting bacteria at the site. Get a referral to the nearest "wound care" center which is available at every hospital within the physical therapy outpatient program. www.destinvein.com

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 28, 2015

Ulcerations following sclerotherapy can take a long time to heal and even up to six months. Sometimes removing (debriding) the unhealthy tissue will expedite the healing.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Ulcerations following sclerotherapy can take a long time to heal and even up to six months. Sometimes removing (debriding) the unhealthy tissue will expedite the healing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veincare of Arizona

Published on Apr 28, 2015

It all depends. Ask your doctor.

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Answered by Veincare of Arizona

It all depends. Ask your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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