Chronic skin ulcers. We understand the possible causes of the appearance of sores on the body. Varieties of ulcerative rashes

Most often, ulcerative formations on the skin can mean internal diseases associated with oncology, infectious diseases, and the presence of dermatological problems in humans.

Ulcers that are observed on the skin have a different shape, size, location, and even properties. They can be random, transient, benign or malignant, and even too persistent, which do not go away for a long time and, moreover, tend to increase in size, covering more and more of the human skin (for example, scrofulous, syphilitic and scurvy ulcers). In medical practice, malignant sores on the body, known as cancerous, are often found. They can lead to the death of the patient.

Most often, people experience ulcers on the body that occur due to chronic venous insufficiency. Adults are at risk of developing this disease, since not a single case of manifestation of this disease has been recorded among children under 14 years of age. Due to venous insufficiency, ulcers form only on the legs of an adult. The reason for their appearance is the weakness of the walls of blood vessels. For treatment, complex therapy is usually used with the use of special ointments, drugs and other medicines. Varicose ulcers are not as terrible as it might seem at first glance: with proper and regular treatment, they quickly disappear, and there are no painful sensations from them. After successful therapy, it is very important to carry out the prevention of the disease.

The appearance of sores on the body, in particular on the legs, may indicate the presence of a disease such as atherosclerosis obliterans. In medicine, this phenomenon is called "ischemic ulcers." At risk are middle-aged and older men. The disease manifests itself with itching, pain, loss of hairs at the site of the formation of ulcers.

The appearance of this disease, associated with ulcers, largely depends on the quality of a person's lifestyle. So, the cause of the disease is usually: alcohol and tobacco abuse, eating junk food and a sedentary lifestyle. To avoid the appearance of such ulcers, you should reconsider your diet, give up alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, give preference to fresh foods and sports.

Another cause of ulcers on the body (and also on the skin of the legs) is livedo-vasculitis. During this disease, vascular thrombosis develops strongly, as a result of which the skin of the legs becomes covered with ulcers. New growths that have appeared are often painful, susceptible to various irritants (even ordinary clothes can hurt when touching the damaged area). This type of ulcer is very difficult to treat. But thanks to modern medicine, a cure is still possible if you approach this process responsibly.

If sores appear on the body, the causes may be of an oncological nature. So, such painful manifestations that appear on the skin of the whole body may indicate the presence of an oncological disease. Most often, such ulcers appear with melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) and basal cell skin cancer.

Since cancerous ulcers can be malignant in nature, it is very important to immediately contact a specialist if such symptoms are found. It will not be superfluous to undergo a standard examination of the body for the presence of cancer cells, that is, to make a biopsy. Such an examination will help either exclude cancer or confirm it, which is also good to some extent, because a disease that is detected in the early stages of its development is much easier to treat.

Finally, body ulcers can be caused by an infectious or bacterial virus. Most often in this case, the causative agents of the disease are streptococci. These ulcers are very similar to gangrenous wounds, but they should not be confused. So, for example, ulcers caused by streptococcus have their own name - streptococcal ecthyma. Those ulcerative wounds that are considered gangrenous (ecthyma gangrenosum) appear as a result of severe mechanical damage to the skin.

Having learned about the causes of the appearance of ulcerative neoplasms on the skin, another question arises: "How to treat ulcers on the body?". It should be said right away that self-medication is contraindicated here, because only a specialist can prescribe the correct and effective therapy. Usually, complex treatment is used, which includes ointments and drugs that should be taken internally. Often they are aimed at removing ulcers.

Aphid ulcers can be dangerous and should not be forgotten. In addition, successful treatment lies in the joint activity of the patient and the doctor, which will contribute to a speedy recovery.

Often internal diseases lead to various ailments on the skin. They can manifest themselves in different ways, but the most noticeable is the appearance of ulcers on the body. They can be random, disappear quickly on their own, or become protracted and very difficult to treat. However, they come in different shapes, depths and sizes.

Lit .: Big Medical Encyclopedia, 1956

The disease is usually inflammatory, infectious, tissue destroying. An ulcer on the body should not be confused with accidental mechanical damage to the skin. The emergence of a focus of erosion contribute to:

obliterating atherosclerosis. It occurs due to malnutrition, smoking and alcoholism. Ulcers appear with hair loss on the affected area and severe itching.
Injuries of the epidermis with subsequent suppuration. Without proper care, they develop into ulcers.
Bacterial and viral infections. Once inside the body, they cause processes that contribute to the formation of the disease.
Various blood diseases.
Diabetes mellitus or scurvy.
The appearance of blood clots in the vessels. In these cases, the complete cure of ulcers is most difficult to achieve.
Benign and malignant tumors.

Improper diagnosis and treatment can lead to the transition of ulcers on the body into complex forms that are not always amenable to therapy and sometimes lead to death. Therefore, it is very important to contact a medical institution when the first manifestations of the disease appear.

Which doctor should I contact?

Treatment of ulcers on the body depends entirely on the causes that caused them. This determines the doctor who will conduct the therapy. If you have any difficulties with the choice, you will be helped by such a doctor as:

After receiving all the data, the therapist will be able to decide on the cause of the ulcers and the method of their treatment. In addition, the doctor will give recommendations that will help prevent relapses:

Explain the nature of the disease in simple terms.
Prove that changing habits and lifestyle will help in treatment.
Advise to quit smoking.
Explains how to maintain body hygiene.
If necessary, he will advise the frequency of examinations by specialists.

With the exact establishment of the disease that caused the appearance of ulcers on the body, it is necessary to take measures to treat it. For this you may need:

Neurologist.
Immunologist.
Vascular surgeon.
Endocrinologist.
Gastroenterologist.

They carry out bacteriological, histological and cytological examination. This allows you to accurately establish the diagnosis and develop the best treatment. If all the requirements of the doctor are observed, in most cases a complete recovery occurs.

Treatment Methods

Therapy for a disease depends entirely on the ailment that caused it. If the main ailment is eliminated, the treatment of ulcers on the body is not difficult. Therefore, each patient requires an individual approach. All treatment is divided into two directions, which are performed simultaneously. To eliminate the causes, use:

Antibiotics.
Antihistamines.
Painkillers.

There are special drugs, the need for which is due to the underlying disease. They help to weaken or completely eliminate the influence of the disease on the appearance of ulcers. In addition, to quickly get rid of wounds on the body, apply.

Skin ulcers refer to defects in the skin and mucous membranes. They are formed because of which they do not heal for a long time after the necrotic dead areas fall off. Ulcers on the skin appear due to a sharp decrease in regeneration processes, with metabolic disorders in the body, and other painful human conditions.

Causes

A skin ulcer, the symptoms of which depend on the provoking disease, may be the result of:

traumatic injuries of various origins (thermal, mechanical, electrical, chemical or radiation);
malignant and benign tumors, which are sometimes covered with ulcers (lymphogranulomatosis, sarcoma);
venous circulation disorders (with thrombophlebitis, arteriovenous fistulas, varicose veins);
disorders of arterial circulation (with thrombosis, embolism, resistant;
violations of lymphatic drainage (with blood diseases, diabetes, anemia, scurvy);
various infections;
neurotrophic disorders (with tumors, progressive paralysis);
changes in the walls of blood vessels (with atherosclerosis, syphilitic aortitis,

Complications

Ulcers on the skin are dangerous with various complications:

accession of an infection;
secondary bleeding from damaged vessels;
penetration (growth of an ulcer near the organs or perforation in the cavity), which interferes with the work of the organs and disrupts their functions;
degeneration of ulcers into malignant (the so-called malignancy).

Treatment of ulcers

Skin ulcers are treated taking into account the underlying disease, so the approach must be comprehensive. For the treatment of external manifestations, conventional means are used with mandatory thorough skin care, bed rest, limb immobilization, physiotherapy measures such as ultraviolet radiation or sollux.

Ulcers on the skin of a child and the initial stages of the disease are treated by frequent bandaging with additionally, proteolytic enzymes are used to cleanse pus. Bandages with antiseptics and ointments are applied to the cleaned ulcer.

It is also important to carry out general therapeutic measures aimed at improving the reparative or immunobiological processes in the body. This means a complete diet rich in vitamins, as well as blood substitutes and immunomodulators.

Surgical methods of treatment are used only in cases where conservative ones are ineffective. At the same time, pathological scars and altered tissues are removed from the ulcer. The tissue defect is covered with a skin graft. When prescribing adequate treatment, it is important to consider the pathogenesis of ulcer formation. Therapy is aimed at restoring tissues and stopping diseases that have affected the formation of an ulcer. To consolidate the positive effect after the elimination of the ulcer on the skin, sanatorium treatment is indicated with the inclusion of measures to increase immunity and vitamin therapy.

An ulcer is a defect in the surface of the skin and its deep layers, which occurs due to necrosis with subsequent rejection of dead tissue. A characteristic feature of all skin ulcerations is a chronic course, prolonged healing.

Usually, skin ulcers are the result of infection, or mechanical, chemical or radiation damage, when the normal blood supply to the epidermis is disturbed.

Why does a skin ulcer occur, treatment, symptoms of this disease, what? Let's talk about it:

Why does a skin ulcer occur, what are the causes leading to it?

Skin ulcers can occur for a variety of reasons. There are trophic, varicose, syphilitic ulcers, arterial, tuberculous and scurvy. Oncological skin ulcerations are often diagnosed.

Let us briefly consider how a skin ulcer manifests itself, the symptoms indicating it, I will name some of them:

Arterial: Located on the foot. Usually on the back of the sole, heel area, thumb. The ulcers are small, rounded, surrounded by dry, pale skin that takes on a yellowish tinge. When exposed, pain is felt.

Venous: Appear on the inside of the ankle. They can be very small, or they can be quite large. In the absence of adequate treatment, they can affect the entire lower leg. The surrounding skin is very dense, hyperemic. There are serous, purulent, hemorrhagic discharge. Often associated with eczema. When exposed, marked pain is noted.

diabetic: Formed on the toes. They are irregularly shaped. They have uneven edges and areas of marginal necrosis. When exposed, pain is felt.

neurotrophic: Occurs on the heel tubercles, soles, and also on the sides of the feet. They are distinguished by a rather large depth, reminiscent of a crater in shape. There are small serous compartments with purulent inclusions, an unpleasant odor. The surrounding skin is keratinized, dense. Soreness is practically absent.

infectious (pyogenic): Usually multiple, arranged in groups. Affect the entire surface of the leg. They have a small depth, have an oval shape. The bottom is covered with a scab, there is no granulation. They have inflamed soft edges. There is thick, purulent discharge.

Radiation: Usually caused by being in the radiation area. Ulcers are deep, can penetrate up to muscle tissue, bones. They have a rounded shape, torn edges. There is atrophy of the skin, telangiectasia. The skin around is pigmented.

Malignant neoplasms: In this case, the skin ulcer occurs due to the decay of the tumor. Symptoms are well recognized: the ulceration is in the center of a rounded, dense infiltrate, which is tightly connected to the surrounding skin. The edges of the ulcer are bumpy, necrotic tissues are observed at the bottom.

There are signs of the degeneration of a benign ulcer into a malignant one: the size increases, its edges rise, grayish granulations appear, resembling cauliflower in appearance. Discharges putrid, crumbly.

Skin ulcer treatment

The treatment of this pathological skin lesion is always strictly individual, depending on the underlying disease. For its diagnosis, a number of necessary studies are carried out: bacteriological, histological, cytological. After determining the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment in this case.

Usually medical or surgical treatment is carried out.

Drug is aimed at activating reparative processes. The drugs prescribed to the patient normalize the metabolism, are aimed at effectively fighting the infection. Desensitizing and anti-inflammatory therapy is also carried out. Prescribe vitamins, anabolic drugs.

To stimulate reparative processes, Pentoxyl, Actovegin, Methyluracil and Solcoseryl are prescribed. They also use means to normalize microcirculation: Disaggregants, Trental or Reopoliglyukin, etc.

When conducting antibiotic therapy, antibiotics are prescribed taking into account the sensitivity of bacteria. For desensitization, Diphenhydramine, Suprastin and Pipolfen are prescribed. Apply Ketotifen and Claritin.

In order to stop the periulcerous inflammatory process, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, for example, Diclofenac and Voltaren.

Surgery

According to indications, when closure of long-term non-healing ulcers is required, plastic surgery is performed. The surgeon excises the scar tissue, removes pathological granulations. Unfortunately, after the operation, frequent relapses are possible. This usually happens when the exact causes of the disease have not been established.

How is a skin ulcer treated with folk medicine, which folk remedies help?

As an addition to the main treatment, you can use folk remedies. Here are some well-established recipes:

Prepare the solution: put 1 tbsp. l. quicklime (at the same time take care of your eyes so that splashes do not get in) in 1 liter. water. Rinse the ulcer with lime water obtained. Now apply a gauze napkin with ointment, which you prepare in this way: mix 100 g of resin (spruce resin), lard. Add 50 g of beeswax to the composition. Mix everything, boil, cool. Use this composition for treatment. Store in refrigerator.

Rinse the ulcer every morning with cool running water. Dry with a towel. Now apply a bandage with a soft cloth moistened with 6% apple cider vinegar.

Remember that effective treatment is possible only after diagnosing and establishing the cause of skin ulcerations. Some ulcers can be very dangerous. Therefore, if any neoplasms occur on the skin, especially those that do not heal for a long time, consult a doctor immediately. Be healthy!

Defects in the upper layer of the epidermis associated with a damaging factor (temperature change, mechanical and chemical influences) provoke the appearance of ulcers. It has a long course, it is difficult to heal, it can recur.

How do skin ulcers form?

As a rule, the upper layer of the epidermis is restored, but with negative phenomena (skin diseases, mechanical or chemical burns, injuries), this process slows down. Tissue necrosis occurs. Necrotic areas fall off, in their place a new epithelial layer slowly begins to form. Sometimes there is an absolute stop of the regeneration process. In these places, wounds form.

The skin is negatively affected by any ailment. The reason is a violation of metabolic processes, dysfunction of internal organs and systems.

Such processes lead to a weakening of the immune system. The result - the disease progresses, the natural mechanism for restoring the upper layer of the epidermis is suspended. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, necrotic areas will become a breeding ground for infection.

Localization of skin defects

Depending on the provoking factor, wound sites can form on any part of the skin or mucous membrane:

on the back;
on the face and neck;
on the lower limbs;
on the palms;
on the body;
on the head;
on the genitals.

Diabetes provokes the appearance of defects in the lower extremities, a trophic ulcer is diagnosed.

A child, a man and a woman are equally at risk of a pathological condition.

At an older age, with hidden diseases, ulcers manifest.

Types of skin ulcers

The classification of ulcerative formations depends on the cause and their consequences. Classify:

skin defects resulting from injuries, any mechanical damage, negative effects (chemical, radiation, electrical, thermal);
wounds formed during malignant and benign neoplasms (sarcoma, lymphogranuloma);
damage to the upper layer of the epidermis in case of arterial circulation dysfunction (blood diseases, diabetes mellitus, scurvy, anemia);
ulceration provoked by infection (leprosy, tuberculosis, furuncle, abscess);
skin defects in neurotrophic lesions (tumors, paralysis);
pathological changes in the tissues of the walls of blood vessels (obliterating endarteritis, atherosclerosis, syphilitic aortitis).

Skin disease symptoms

The general clinical picture is manifested by such signs:

severe discomfort and sensitivity;
pigmentation in the focal area;
thinning of the skin;
an ulcer appears in the center of the affected area;
bleeding;
at the bottom of the wound, grayish contents (pus) are noted;
with successful healing, a scar appears in the sore spot.

In addition to general signs, there are symptoms characteristic of each type of ulceration:

Venous. The place of localization is the ankle. Ulcerative lesions of the skin are of small size or occupy a large area. Without adequate therapy, almost the entire lower leg is affected. The skin around is dense, hyperemic. Purulent, serous or hemorrhagic discharges are noted. With pressure in the focal area, severe pain appears.
Diabetic. The fingers of the lower extremities are affected. They have an irregular shape, uneven outlines, necrotic areas appear along the edges. Any impact causes pain.
Arterial. The place of localization is the foot. Often this is the back of the sole, heel, thumb. Ulcers are small, round in shape, around the skin becomes dry and pale. With slight pressure, pain appears.
Radiation. Appear as a result of radiation. Lesions are deep, penetrating to muscle tissue and bones. They have a round shape, uneven edges. The skin around is atrophied, with signs of pigmentation, telangiectasia is diagnosed.
Neurotrophic. Place of localization - calcaneal tubercles, soles, lateral part of the feet. They have great depth, in appearance they resemble a crater. There are serous, purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor. The skin around the affected area is keratinized, dense. When pressed, the pain is almost not felt.
Malignant tumors. Ulcers appear as a result of the decay of the neoplasm. Signs of skin lesions are pronounced. The wound is located in the center of a dense infiltrate. The edges are bumpy, necrotic places are noted at the bottom. Putrid, crumbly discharge appears.
Infectious. Multiple rashes appear, localized in groups. They can be located in any part of the body, often the legs are affected. They are characterized by a small depth, have an oval shape. The bottom of the ulcers is covered with a scab. The skin around is inflamed, purulent thick discharge with an unpleasant odor is noted.

Causes of skin ulcers

Each pathological condition, accompanied by ulcerative formations on the skin, has an individual development mechanism and its own causes.

It is possible to single out a specific problem only separately for each disease.

The overall picture considers such provoking factors:

Failure of the kidneys, liver, intestines, spleen, lymphatic system to neutralize and remove toxic substances from the body in full. They are produced during the life of the body, when taking medicines, eating vegetables and fruits saturated with pesticides, etc. When the “natural filter” dysfunctions, these substances begin to be excreted through the skin. As a result, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, etc. develop.
Allergic reactions. Exposure to chemicals, physical objects, the environment, etc. can cause irritation on the skin, causing ulcers to form.
Infections. An infectious lesion can be not only external (fungi, viral infection, bacteria directly on the skin), but also internal. Diseases such as hepatitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc. provoke ulcerative formations on the skin.
internal allergens. These are protein substances produced by worms or opportunistic microorganisms (streptococcus, staphylococcus, fungus of the genus Candida, etc.). These substances live in the body constantly, serve as an ongoing source of irritation of the immune system.
Stress. Against the background of strong experiences, severe processes develop, after which an allergic reaction appears, which is expressed as a rash on the body.

Skin diseases accompanied by ulceration

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10) includes many diseases that provoke the appearance of ulcers on the upper layer of the epidermis. Here are a few of them:

Acne. Blockage of the sebaceous glands leads to an inflammatory process. Ulcers appear on the face, back, shoulders, décolleté. The disease is preceded by acne. Without timely treatment, severe acne develops. Causes: hormonal imbalance, frequent stress, dysbacteriosis, heredity, non-observance of personal hygiene rules.
Dermatitis. Inflammation of the skin of any type (atopic, seborrheic, diaper, contact). Accompanied by severe itching, peeling, redness. It proceeds in a chronic form. Causes: genetic predisposition, regular exposure to the skin (friction, pressure), thermal factor (exposure to temperature, sunlight), the use of aggressive chemical or low-quality cosmetics).
Eczema. May appear at an early age. The disease cannot be completely cured, it can only be controlled. People with allergies are at risk of developing eczema. Eczema covers arms, legs, back, neck.
Lichen. A contagious disease that, without adequate treatment, is converted into ulcers. At the initial stage, a red spot with brown edges appears. Over time, crusted ulcers form at the site of the spots.
Herpes. With a disease, small bubbles appear on any part of the body. In frequent cases, the affected area of the lip. On the first day, a rash appears, covered with a crust. On the third day, the crust is broken, and ulcers appear in this place. Causes: impaired immune function, metabolic failures, acute respiratory infections, gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Skin invasion. This is a malignant formation in which red dense nodules appear. In their place, ulcers subsequently form.
Melanoma. Skin cancer. The disease can be removed surgically. With timely seeking medical help, the skin defect is successfully eliminated. The lack of qualified therapy leads to the formation of wounds. Melanoma is an asymmetrical pigmented patch.
Psoriasis. It proceeds in a chronic form. Medicine has no precisely established cause of psoriasis, but it is known that it does not belong to an infectious nature. With the disease, red spots appear that spread throughout the body. The affected areas are covered with grayish or whitish scales. Without supportive therapy, ulcers form on the sites.
Diabetes mellitus (DM). The initial stage of the disease is not accompanied by clear signs of ulceration. In this case, the skin becomes "varnished", swelling and hyperemia are noted. As DM progresses, tissue necrosis occurs, followed by the appearance of whitish spots. Further progression of the disease leads to the release of purulent-mucous exudate with an unpleasant odor. A trophic ulcer is diagnosed. The patient feels pain with moderate bleeding. Accompanied by severe itching, burning, heaviness. With the addition of varicose veins, thrombosis or thrombophlebitis due to trophic changes, weeping wounds on the legs are diagnosed. This means the addition of an infection and an increase in the inflammatory process.

Diagnostics

The basis for the differentiation of skin diseases is a doctor's examination, clinical manifestations and diagnostic results. Diagnosis can be made using the following tests:

Ultrasound of the vessels of the legs. Exclude or confirm vein thrombosis, atherosclerotic lesions of blood vessels.
Blood analysis. It is determined by the concentration of glucose and autoantibodies.
Culture of the ulcer sample. Reveals the bacterial origin of the wound formation.
Biopsy of the ulcer sample. Carried out in order to establish the nature of the neoplasm.

Body ulcer treatment

The goal of therapy is to accelerate the recovery of the upper layer of the epidermis, eliminate the root cause, eliminate negative effects on the skin, and restore immune function. Depending on the type of skin disease, appropriate medication is prescribed.

If conservative methods are not effective, a decision is made to perform an operation.

With the surgical method of treatment, a resection of the affected area is performed, a skin graft is applied. After the operation, the patient is waiting for a course of rehabilitation therapy.

The tactics of drug treatment is determined by the doctor after the results of the diagnosis. Drug therapy includes taking such drugs:

restoring and stimulating reparative processes (Pentoxyl, Methyluracil, Actovegin);
antibacterial, taking into account the results of bacterial culture for sensitivity (Augmentin, Doxycycline, Ceftriaxone);
restoring microcirculation (Trental, Reopoliglyukin);
antiallergic (Suprastin, Claritin);
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) stop periulcerous inflammation (Diclofenac, Voltaren);
topical anti-inflammatory drugs (ointments, creams, cleansers);
enterosorbents that enhance the filtration function of the body (Polysorb, Enterosgel, Polyphepan).

In addition to medicines, additional therapeutic methods are used to enhance the regeneration process, stimulate blood flow and lymph flow. For example, physiotherapy, ultraviolet blood irradiation, cryotherapy, body wraps, folk remedies.

Prognosis and possible complications

With skin diseases, doctors put a conditionally favorable prognosis. Sometimes a non-healing sore on the skin requires constant monitoring and relief of attacks of an acute period.

Some types of ulcers without timely and adequate treatment are transformed into a complex pathological process.

Possible secondary infection. Such ulcers take a long time to heal and are difficult to treat.

Treatment of non-healing wounds with folk methods

Phytotherapy will give a positive result only in combination with drug treatment. Traditional medicine has anti-inflammatory, regenerating, analgesic effects.

Before starting treatment at home, you must always get the advice of a doctor.

Traditional medicine recipes in addition to the main therapy:

Mortar. Pour 1 tbsp into 1 liter of water. l. quicklime. Mix. It is important to protect the eyes and face, when lime comes into contact with water, there may be splashes. Rinse the ulcers with the resulting solution, and then apply a gauze cloth with ointment. To prepare a compress, 100 grams of spruce resin and lard are required. To the resulting composition is added 50 grams of beeswax. Stirred, put on fire, brought to a boil. The resulting ointment is smeared on a napkin and applied to the sore spot.
Flush the sores every day with cool running water. Dry gently with a towel and apply a soft cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar (6%).
Washing ulcers. Prepare freshly squeezed cabbage and potato juice. Strain. Wash the wound daily in the morning and evening.