Home Remedies and Herbs for Skin Ulcer

Skin ulcers refer to open wounds on the skin. They typically look like craters and do not heal properly. It’s common for ulcers to return depending on the cause.¹

What Causes Skin Ulcers?

There are numerous skin ulcer causes. Among some of the more common ones include:

• Immobility - When a patient spends too much time immobile, such as if they are on bedrest or in a wheelchair, they may develop what are known as bedsores or pressure ulcers. These are skin sores that occur when too much pressure on the skin reduces blood flow and causes open wounds. They’re most commonly found in bony areas like the hips, heels, and ankles because these are the areas that press against a seat or bed when a patient is immobile.¹
• Stasis dermatitis - Stasis dermatitis is a condition where the blood pools in the legs, leading to what’s known as venous skin ulcers.^3,4 This is the result of venous insufficiency, which occurs when valves in the veins are damaged and the body struggles to return blood to the heart.³ Fluid leaks out of the legs and causes skin tissue breakdown, most commonly in the ankles.³ Venous skin ulcers can be prevented by helping the body return blood to the heart through leg elevation, exercise, and compression.⁴
• Diabetes - Approximately 15 percent of diabetes patients will suffer from diabetic foot ulcers. Ulcers can form due to poor circulation, trauma, or pressure. Diabetes patients may develop nerve damage in their feet, which makes it more likely that the condition will go unnoticed. In addition, diabetes can affect a person’s ability to fight off infection and heal. Risk increases if you are overweight or if you use tobacco or alcohol.⁵

Some medical conditions that affect blood flow make healing difficult following a skin wound or infection. Some conditions that increase skin ulcer risk include:

• Renal failure
• Hypertension
• Lupus
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sickle cell anemia
• Arteriolosclerosis
• Tumors

Skin Ulcers Symptoms

Skin ulcer symptoms include:

• Unusual changes in skin texture or color
• Open, crater-like sore
• Pain, burning, or itching
• Rash near ulcer site
• Swelling
• Dry, flaky skin near the sore
• Pus-like drainage

Skin ulcers can often be treated with at-home remedies that help prevent infection and speed healing. Talk to your doctor if your ulcers do not heal on their own or if you have a serious medical condition such as diabetes.

References

1. http://www.livestrong.com/article/25245-causes-skin-ulcers/
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/home/ovc-20315615
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000834.htm
4. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tn8035
5. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/frequently-asked-questions-diabetic-foot-ulcers
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/dxc-20315617