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Varicose Ulcers

Ulceration due to vascular causes is often multifactorial and can be caused by both arterial and venous disease. Hypertension and atherosclerosis of the peripheral vessels lead to arterial disease associated with ischemic ulcers. Chronic venous insufficiency and the resulting venous hypertension cause venous ulcers. The great majority of vascular ulcers are chronic or recurrent.

The exact cause of venous ulcers is not certain, but they are thought to arise mainly following the occurrence of chronic wounds(e.g., scratch, bite, burn, or surgical incision)  and when venous valves that exist to prevent backflow of blood do not function properly, causing the pressure in veins to increase. When venous hypertension exists blood is not pumped as effectively into or out of the area and healing is compromised.

Venous hypertension may also stretch veins and allow blood proteins to leak into the extravascular space preventing them from helping to heal the wound. Accumulation of fibrin and white blood cells can build up around the vessels, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching cells.

There are some effective natural remedies for leg ulcers that can speed the healing process. 

Colloidal Silver - a natural antibiotic and antiseptic that will help the healing process.  It can be applied topically or taken internally -  a versatile and effective natural agent against bacteria. It has a hugely important bonus in that bacteria find it almost impossible to develop resistance to it.

Manuka Honey- now available as wound gels or bandages. A certified honey is required of preferably 18+ strength. It is both an antibiotic and aids skin healing.

Allicin max- Available as a gel, cream or spray for topical application. Can be used on open wounds. Supplementation with capsules can help reduce risk of internal infection.

Serrapeptase would be a useful natural remedy for leg ulcers as it digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. 

Among conventional treatments, none stands out as being effective:  Antibiotics can create bacterial resistance, leaving ulcers unhealed. Compression bandages, if fitted correctly, are one conventional approach that may help heal leg ulcers. Walking or any regular exercise will keep the calf muscle pumping blood efficiently. Stopping smoking and losing weight will also improve blood circulation. In addition:

  • Eat a high protein (24-per-cent) diet. This can help leg ulcers heal faster. Combined with a higher calorie intake, it may also avoid ulcer recurrence.  

  • Increase antioxidants. The skin needs extra supplies to stay healthy. Taking 3 g/ day of vitamin C can speed up healing of leg ulcers. Vitamin E applied to the skin will also help ulcers to heal. 150 mg/day of zinc will improve skin resistance and increase healing.

  • include essential fatty acids to your supplementation regime. Evening primrose oil has been shown to improve blood flow to the legs and help heal leg ulcers