Preventing and Treating Venous Ulcers

A venous ulcer is an open sore that resists healing, as a result of vein disease. It is usually located at the ankles. This condition is often painful and may lead to serious infection. Dr. Amanda Lloyd, founder of Skin & Vein Institute in Encinitas and a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, helps patients throughout North County San Diego prevent and heal venous ulcers.

How Venous Ulcers Develop

Leg veins contain valves that keep blood flowing upward, toward the heart. When these valves become damaged, blood backs up in veins and the pressure increases. Because vein walls are thin and the pressure is high. fluid leaks out of the veins, causing swelling and pigmentation of the skin. Additionally, the skin is not able to function normally because the proper cells cannot get to it and the toxins are not taken away, therefore, the skin breaks down, forming an initially small, shallow wound, usually on the inner aspect of the ankle.

Risk factors include:

• Excess weight
• Venous disease
• Long periods of standing
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot develops in a leg vein

Other types of lesions can easily be mistaken for venous ulcers. Examination by a Board-Certified Dermatologist who is also a diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic medicine like Dr. Amanda Lloyd is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Prevention

Dr. Amanda Lloyd strives to help patients avoid leg ulcers with healthy lifestyle adjustments and laser treatments. Daily walking, elevating the legs above heart level when reclining, and wearing compression stockings improves blood circulation.

She encourages patients to call her at the first signs of venous disease such as swelling and pain in the legs so an ulcer can be prevented with proper treatment of the venous disease. It is possible to stop the ulcer from forming.

Effective Healing

Ulcers can be painful, and related discomfort often includes achy, swollen legs. The ulcer may become infected, resulting in tender redness in the surrounding area. At this stage, Dr. Amanda Lloyd may prescribe antibiotics to overcome infection and speed healing. Treatment of the underlying venous disease with endovenous laser ablation will speed healing of the ulcer, as it removes the root cause. Dr. Lloyd is an expert at endovenous laser ablation and will work with you to get your venous disease under control.

For healthy, comfortable, attractive legs, call Dr. Lloyd at Skin & Vein Institute. The numbers are (760) 642-6674 for new patients and (760) 452-2080 for existing patients.