Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are a common skin problem, affecting 1%-3% of American adults. Although painful, treatment can improve your circulation and encourage healing. At Restore Wound Healing in Rockwall, Texas, wound care expert Lince Varughese, MD, and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating venous ulcers for patients not only in Rockwall but also in surrounding areas. After an exam, they can make treatment recommendations that align with your needs. Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule venous ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.

What are venous ulcers?

A venous ulcer is a slow-healing, open wound that forms because of problems with your veins or circulation. They can occur anywhere on the body but commonly affect the lower extremities –– the legs, feet, and toes. 

What are the symptoms of venous ulcers?

Venous ulcer symptoms include:

• An open wound that is red and covered by yellow tissue
• Hardened, discolored skin 
• Itching
• Swelling
• Pain

If the wound becomes infected, it may bleed or ooze pus. You might also notice that it emits a foul odor.

How do venous ulcers form?

Venous ulcers form when your vein valves stop functioning properly. Vein valves are small flaps of tissue that open and close to keep blood circulating throughout your body. 

Certain medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency can damage your vein valves and prevent them from working. This causes blood to pool in the affected area, placing pressure on your skin and increasing the risk of open wounds.

How are venous ulcers diagnosed?

Dr. Varughese reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical. Tell him if you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects your circulation, like diabetes or heart disease. Likewise, tell him about any medications and supplements you take.

A visual exam is often enough to confirm a diagnosis, but Dr. Varughese might order additional tests to assess the ulcer’s severity. For example, a computed tomography (CT) scan can help him identify damaged and non-functioning vein valves.

How are venous ulcers treated?

At Restore Wound Healing, Dr. Varughese takes a minimally invasive, integrative approach to venous ulcer treatment. He could suggest:

• Oral antibiotics (if you have an infection)
• Compression bandages or stockings to improve circulation
• Special bandages and dressings to keep the ulcer covered
• Vaporox therapy to accelerate wound closure and promote healing
• Vashe® a wound cleanser that inhibits germs and bacteria
• Juven® a therapeutic collagen powder that speeds wound healing
• Theraworx® a line of topical skin products that dress and protect chronic wounds
• Wound debridement to remove dead tissue and debris
• Treatment to prevent venous disease from worsening

Most people with venous ulcers benefit from several treatments. Dr. Varughese monitors your progress at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed.

Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule venous ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.