Ulcers are open sores on the skin that are festering. The appearance of ulcers can be caused by infected wounds. However, in certain cases, ulcers can occur without a wound. Ulcers that appear without a history of injury are usually caused by certain diseases or medical conditions.
Ulcers can appear on any part of the body. The shape also varies, some look like large or small circles with a reddish, bluish, or blackish color.
Some ulcers are dry and do not cause other symptoms. However, sometimes ulcers can be itchy, sore, or even tingling and numb. When scratched, ulcers can ooze blood or pus.
Some Causes of Ulcers
Ulcers can occur due to poor wound care, so that germs enter the wound and cause infection.
However, in certain cases, ulcers can appear due to disorders of the wound healing process. Usually this occurs due to problems with blood circulation, so the wound will take longer or be difficult to heal and susceptible to infection.
There are several diseases or medical conditions that can cause ulcers to appear, namely:
1. Impetigo
Impetigo is an infectious disease of the skin caused by bacteria and can be contagious. Transmission can occur when in direct contact with the skin of people with impetigo who have ulcers or using personal equipment, such as towels or washcloths, alternately with people who have impetigo.
Impetigo usually affects children more often, but sometimes it can also occur in adults.
Impetigo needs to be treated with antibiotics in the form of ointments or oral medications as prescribed by a doctor. Treatment of impetigo is important to prevent the infection from getting worse, accelerate the healing of ulcers due to impetigo, and prevent transmission of infection to other people.
2. Diabetes mellitus
Patients with diabetes mellitus who are not treated can experience an increase in blood sugar. If high blood sugar is not controlled, this condition can interfere with the smooth flow of blood in the body of people with diabetes.
When the blood flow in the body is not smooth, then the risk of ulcers or infected wounds will be higher. Ulcers in diabetics can appear on any part of the body, but most often appear on the feet.
To prevent ulcers, diabetics are advised to take regular medication so that their blood sugar levels are controlled, keep their feet clean and dry, cut their nails regularly, wear socks, and wear the right shoes according to the shape of their feet.
If you suffer from diabetes and ulcers appear on your feet accompanied by numbness, tingling, or ulcers that get worse despite regular wound care, you should immediately consult a doctor for treatment.
3. Atherosclerosis
Arteries function to deliver clean blood that is rich in oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. However, blood vessels can be damaged and blocked by plaque, causing blood flow to become not smooth. This condition is called atherosclerosis.
When blood flow is not smooth, then the risk of ulcers will be higher. This is caused by a lack of blood flow to the skin tissue, so the skin is easily damaged and develops ulcers.
To treat ulcers due to atherosclerosis, good wound care is needed. In addition, people with atherosclerosis also need to get drugs from doctors to improve blood flow and prevent repeated blockages in blood vessels.
4. Leg vein ulcers
This disease is caused by a blockage or disturbance in the flow of venous blood in the legs, so that the pressure in these vessels increases.
This pressure causes the veins to be unable to return blood to the heart properly. As a result, blood will collect in the legs and feet, so that over time it damages the skin tissue. This damaged skin eventually becomes ulcers or ulcers.
Leg vein ulcers can be treated by using drugs and special stockings to improve blood flow in the legs and using antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor to treat infection. If it is severe, sometimes leg vein ulcers need to be treated with surgery.
Proper Ulcer Treatment
Treatment steps for ulcers aim to heal wounds, reduce pain, and treat infection. If the ulcers are mild, self-medication at home can be done in the following ways:
- Position your feet higher than your chest when lying down or sleeping. It is useful for improving blood circulation.
- Clean the ulcer with sterile saline or saline solution, then cover the ulcer with a bandage. Clean the ulcer and change the bandage at least 2 times a day, especially if the bandage is dirty.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment or wound ointment to treat ulcers. You can consult a doctor to determine the right type of wound ointment to use.
- Wear socks and shoes that fit the size of the foot to prevent ulcers on the feet from being exposed to dust or soil.
With proper care and treatment, ulcers can improve over time and heal. However, if the ulcer does not improve, is accompanied by a high fever, discharges a lot of pus, smells bad, or is getting worse, then the ulcer needs to be treated by a doctor immediately.