What Are Venous Ulcers
A venous skin ulcer is a sore on the leg that heals slowly, usually because of blood flow problems in the leg veins. When leg veins do not push blood back up to the heart as they should, the blood backs up , creating extra pressure in the veins. If the condition is not treated, the increased pressure and excess fluid in the affected area can cause an open sore to form.
Because of the continuous pressure, venous ulcers can linger anywhere from a few weeks to years and lead to more serious problems if untreated. Most venous ulcers occur on the lower leg, above the ankle.
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What Is The Treatment For A Venous Leg Ulcer
A venous leg ulcer usually wont get better without treatment from a healthcare professional. The aim of treatment is to make sure the wound heals while providing relief from symptoms such as pain in and swelling of your affected leg.
Your GP may recommend specialist wound care and compression therapy to help with healing. Treatment will usually be done by a district nurse who is specifically trained to manage leg ulcers.
Compression therapy applies pressure to your affected leg, which reduces the amount of blood pooling in the veins and helps to redirect the blood flow to your heart. It can help to reduce swelling and encourages delivery of oxygen and nutrients, critical for healing, to the wound.
Your GP may consider referral to a vascular surgeon to discuss a minimally invasive procedure for varicose veins. This will reduce the risk of recurrent ulcers.
Treating An Infected Ulcer
An ulcer sometimes produces a large amount of discharge and becomes more painful. There may also be redness around the ulcer.
These symptoms and feeling unwell are signs of infection.
If your ulcer becomes infected, it should be cleaned and dressed as usual.
You should also elevate your leg most of the time. You’ll be prescribed a 7-day course of antibiotics.
The aim of antibiotic treatment is to clear the infection. But antibiotics do not heal ulcers and should only be used in short courses to treat infected ulcers.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Peptic Ulcer Does It Cause Pain
Ulcers do not always cause symptoms. Sometimes, a serious complication such as bleeding or a sudden, bad upper abdominal pain is the first sign of an ulcer.
The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is abdominal pain.
- The pain is usually in the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the belly button and below the breastbone.
- The ulcer pain can feel like burning, or gnawing, and it may go through to the back.
- Pain often comes several hours after a meal when the stomach is empty.
- The pain is often worse at night and early morning.
- It can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
- The ulcer pain may be relieved by food, antacids, or vomiting.
Other symptoms of peptic ulcers include the following:
- Loss of appetite
Severe ulcers may cause bleeding in the stomach or duodenum. Bleeding is sometimes the only symptom of an ulcer. This bleeding can be fast or slow. Fast bleeding reveals itself in one of the following ways:
- Vomiting of blood or dark material that looks something like coffee grounds: This is an emergency and warrants an immediate visit to an emergency department.
- Blood in the stool or black, tarry, sticky-looking stools
Slow bleeding is often more difficult to detect, because it has no dramatic symptoms.
- The usual result is low blood cell count .
- The symptoms of anemia are tiredness , lack of energy , weakness, rapid heartbeat , and pale skin .
Natural Strategies For Healing Ulcers
Identifying the root cause of your stomach ulcer is the first step in effectively treating it yourself. An actual gut repair protocol for stomach ulcers can bring relief in a quick as a week, with total healing of the ulcer/ulcers within 3 months. However, there are times when treating the underlying cause of the ulcer has to be addressed FIRST and this part can take anywhere between 6 weeks to 9 months, depending on what the underlying cause of the ulcer is. The following are some of the best practices for long term, effective healing of stomach ulcers.
1. Identify the Barriers to healing. Test, Dont Guess!
You cant effectively address and resolve stomach ulcers if you are not aware of what cause or causes led to you having them in the first place, so the best place to start is to get some testing done so that you can find out what is causing your stomach ulcers. There are many different las that can be done and narrowing down which ones to start with requires that your coach or practitioner get an in-depth history on you which may also include some lengthy intake history forms that will review your history of things like: what medicines you have taken in the past or are currently taking, what your eating regiment consists of, your lifestyle choices, etc.
With this information it becomes easier to determine what lab or labs would be best suited to start with so that you can uncover what has caused your stomach ulcers.
2. Remove the Barriers to Healing
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Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar
Anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda helps in restoring the pH of the stomach. Apple cider vinegar is also used in treating ulcers due to its pain-relieving properties . Hence, the combination of baking soda and ACV may help in treating stomach ulcers.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 glass of warm water
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a day.
What To Look Our For When Applying Compression Bandaging Wrap Systems Or Hosiery
If youre using a wrap system, wear supportive stockings or tights or use compression bandaging (compression bandaging is normally only applied by your nurse or healthcare professional, here are some things to look out for:
- Does your footwear still fit the same if your footwear is tight it may mean that the swelling has increased?
- Does the bandaging, wrap or hosiery feel firm and supportive?
- Is your skin red and inflamed?
- Is your skin dry and flaky?
- Is your skin white and soggy like youve just come out of the bath?
- Do you have eczema or another skin condition that requires specific creams or ointments?
If you have concerns with any of the above, please get in touch with your healthcare professional for advice.
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How To Heal Leg Ulcers Naturally
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times daily.
Why This Works
Aloe vera is a therapeutic herb that is widely used to treat various ailments. It is extremely effective in healing leg ulcers as it not only inhibits the growth of bacteria but also prevents further infection . It contains compounds like anthraquinones and certain hormones that are said to render wound healing properties to it .
Do Not Completely Cut Down On Iodine
Many people who suffer from diabetes give up consuming iodine with the fear of increased insulin resistance. But in actuality, some amount of iodine is essential for your body. Iodine is even helpful in enhancing the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers. Thus, there is no harm in including some iodine in your diet to treat the problem of diabetic foot
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Who Can Get A Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and older men are more likely to develop ulcers. People who use insulin are at a higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease. Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.
Causes Of Ulcers Include:
- an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
- long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and ibuprofen
Stress and spicy food can also exacerbate the symptoms of an ulcer. Although they do not cause ulcers, they can make the situation worse by increasing the amount of stomach acid produced.
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Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers
The initial symptoms of stomach ulcers include mild symptoms which constitute heartburn or severe pain accompanied by a burning sensation on the upper part of the body. This burnings sensation in the stomach above the navel, which is similar to hunger pangs is the most common discomfort experienced by those suffering from this ailment. At times when the stomach is empty like midnight or 30 to 120 minutes after food consumption is when these pain attacks develop. An empty stomach produces acidic stomach juices which irritate the unprotected nerve endings which have been exposed in the ulcer. Intake of antacid or any solid or liquid food item can neutralize the stomach acid and reduce the pain.
Treatment Management & Guidelines
Treatment: People with diabetes have more risk of foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are the main reason for leg amputations worldwide. Immediately treating foot ulcers is therefore necessary. Treatment varies from person to person condition and this includes:
Medication: Medicine treatment includes:
- Antibiotics to control infection of sore or wound
- Anticlotting medicines to reduce blood clots and improve blood circulation
- Diabetic control medicines to control diabetes.
- Painkillers to relieve pain due to foot ulcers.
Surgical options: Surgery may include:
Summary:
Foot ulcer treatment includes antibiotics and anti-clotting medicines, and it may require surgeries for increasing blood flow.
Management: Management of foot ulcers consists of providing relief from the ulcer pain or itching and to stop its growth. This includes:
Summary:
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How Is A Peptic Ulcer Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, whether you take NSAIDs and other drugs, and medical history. Theyâll also check you for bloating in the belly and pain. That may be enough to make a diagnosis.
The only way your doctor can tell for sure if you have an ulcer is to look. They may use a series of X-rays or a test called an endoscopy. This test allows them to pass a thin, bendy tube down your throat and into your stomach and small intestine. The tube has a camera at the end so they can check the lining for ulcers. They may also take a small piece of the lining to test for H. pylori. Blood, breath, and stool sample tests also can screen for the bacteria.
Types Of Peptic Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is among the most common forms of stomach disease. About 4 million Americans suffer from this condition every year.
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What Are The Best Home Remedies For Ulcers
An ulcer refers to a lesion or sore that develops in your stomachs lining. It can also occur in the upper portion of your intestine. The symptoms include a feeling of burning sensation between the chest and navel, indigestion, nausea, heartburn, weight loss, poor appetite and vomiting. There are several home remedies for treating your ulcer:
Cabbage produces amino acids that help to stimulate the blood flow to the lining of the stomach that strengthens the lining and thus treats the ulcer. The high vitamin C content in cabbages is also beneficial for ulcers. Cut half of cabbage and two carrots, extract the juice and have it daily before every meal. Have this juice for some days daily.
Bananas both unripe and ripe, are very good for treating ulcer. They contain antibacterial compounds that prevent the ulcer-causing H. pylori from growing. Eat at least 3 bananas in a day. You can also have it as a milkshake if you do not like the taste of ripe bananas.
It has antibacterial qualities that can kill the bacteria known for causing ulcers. You can either drink coconut water or coconut milk. The coconuts kernel can also be beneficial if consumed. Ensure that you follow this routine daily for at least 7 days for positive results.
It contains an enzyme known as glucose oxidase that can produce hydrogen peroxide, which kills the harmful ulcer-causing bacteria. Have 2 teaspoons of raw honey every day on an empty stomach every morning.
Other Stomach Ulcer Symptoms
Search for diverse symptoms of ulcers that sufferers have reported. These symptoms, dont occur for all everybody. There are ample chances that you may not experience any symptoms at all.
- An increase in the measure of gas and burping.
- A feeling of finishing and a feebleness to drink a respectable measure of liquids.
- Being hungry a couple of hours in the wake of eating a dining experience.
- Mild nausea, most essential on first waking in the morning.
- A general feeling of being tired and not feeling incredible.
- Loss of covetousness.
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What To Avoid If You Have An Ulcer
If you have an ulcer, avoid NSAIDs or smoking, which can reduce the ability of the stomach lining to protect itself against stomach acid. Foods that increase stomach acid, such as dairy, coffee, and soda should be taken out of the diet. Highly acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus, will only make things worse. Finally, substances that irritate the stomach, such as alcohol or spicy foods, are probably not a good idea.
Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment: Medication
Several different medication therapies are available to help reduce gastric acid and coat the ulcers:
- Antacids neutralize gastric acid. The disadvantage is that you need to take a relatively large dose for them to be effective, and they can cause unwanted side effects like diarrhea.
- Histamine blockers reduce gastric acid by blocking the H2 receptors. These medications decrease acid secretion and are a relatively safe treatment option.
- Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that block the three major pathways for acid production. PPIs suppress acid production much more effectively than H2 blockers. PPIs are the gold standard in medication therapy of peptic ulcer disease.
- Medications to protect and strengthen the mucous lining of the stomach
- Antibiotics to treat H. pylori if it is detected
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Heal The Diabetic Foot Ulcer With Apple Cider Vinegar
Acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar kills bacteria that prevents the infection from spreading. Therefore, apply apple cider vinegar on the affected areas and let it stay for about 15 minutes. Repeat twice daily for better results.
Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.
More Attacks On Gastric Mucosa
In addition to H. pylori and NSAIDs, alcohol, vinegar, many spices, and excess bile salts can damage the gastric mucosal barrier as well. Deficiencies in vitamin A and trace elements of zinc and folic acid also predispose to mucosa damage. An excessive amount of salt encourages H. pylori growth in the stomach as well. Sleep deprivation can worsen the effect of the NSAIDs indomethacin-induced damage in the mucosa. Sleep deprivation also increases gastric acidity, histamine, and gastrin and reduces blood flow to the mucosal barrier.6
Acute stress and fear can also prove damaging to a healthful stomach lining. Irregularity in meals and sleep can imbalance the autonomic nervous regulation of the stomach.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Leg Ulcers
The most common symptoms that accompany leg ulcers are as follows:
- Swelling of the ankles
- Irritated or flaky skin
- Skin begins to harden and scale around the ulcers
These symptoms often vary in their severity. Although most leg ulcers usually disappear in a few days, some may be non-healing. It is always better to try and heal leg ulcers as soon as you can to prevent further complications. For that, you need to diagnose them first. The following are a few most common techniques used to diagnose leg ulcers.
Things You Should Know
- Go to your doctor if youâre experiencing bleeding ulcer symptoms like upper abdominal pain, nausea, and blood in your vomit or stool.
- Your doctor will prescribe medication that blocks acid production to heal the ulcer. Take the medication as directed.
- For serious bleeding ulcers, you may need to have a surgical procedure to close the ulcer and stop the bleeding.
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