A wound is an injury to living tissue in the body. A wound occurs when the skin opens, cracks, tears or ruptures. An opening in the skin will increase a person’s risk of infection. There are several types of wounds depending on what caused it in the first place. If the veins in the legs do not work properly to return deoxygenated blood back up to the heart, blood and fluid may pool in the lower legs and ankles causing swelling or edema and irritated skin. This type of wound is known as a venous, stasis or varicose wound. Venous wounds are usually slow to heal due to compromised blood flow.
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Symptoms
A venous wound commonly oozes clear fluid, is shallow or superficial, tender and legs may be swollen. When blood pools it creates an environment similar to a stagnant pool of water. This often causes skin irritation and subsequent itchiness known as stasis dermatitis. If the wound becomes infected, the skin around the wound may appear red, feel warm to the touch, emit a foul smell or ooze pus. If infection is left untreated, fever and flu-like symptoms may be experienced.
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Causes
Venous ulcers develop overtime if the function of the leg veins deteriorates. The one-way valves in veins prevent blood flow from leaking and flowing back down the leg. Veins rely on the muscles in the legs to contract with movement and squeeze the blood up towards the heart. Sitting for long periods of time with feet hanging down in a dependent position will increase the risk of swelling in the legs. Blood clots, genetics and incompetent or leaky valves are all causes of venous insufficiency and venous ulcers.
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Treatment
Venous wounds require assessment and treatment from a primary care professional and possible referral to a vascular specialist. Venous wounds must be assessed, treated and monitored to prevent worsening. Swelling and edema in the legs can be effectively addressed with compression therapy. BioPed lower limb clinicians are trained to measure and fit compression therapy, which will help reduce stasis dermatitis and improve the health of the skin. Wound care involving application of a dressing is important to treat or prevent infection and encourage healthy tissue growth.
