Non Healing Ulcers

Any ulcer or open wound on the skin existing for more than 3-4 weeks, and is not healing is known as non-healing ulcer. There is an array of non-healing ulcers in which pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers are most common. The other not so common ones are arterial ulcer and Marjolin ulcer. Pressure ulcers also known as pressure sores occurs when soft tissue is prressed in between a bony area and another surface for a long time. The low back, tailbone, hip and ankle are the main sites of pressure sores because in bed ridden patients these sites are more under pressure. Diabetes foot ulcer results from nerve damage caused due to diabetes mellitus. Damage to the nerve causes altered sensation in diabetes patients. The cuts and bruises goes unnoticed resulting in foot infection and wound. If the wound is not treated properly, healing is delayed resulting is non-healing ulcer. Venous disease is the most common cause of ulcers in the legs.

Causes:

• Vascular congestion
• Diabetes mellitus
• Infection
• Malnutrition
• Unknown cause

Risk Factors
Patients having circulatory problems like peripheral arterial disease and chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and those who smoke cigarette, who are obese, and live sedentary life-style are all at a high risk of developing these ulcers.