What are skin ulcers?
Cutaneous Ulcers represent a condition that is as frequent as it is disabling. They form when the skin is not sufficiently nourished due to problems with the blood vessels. In the human body, ulcers can occur in all skin areas. Ulcers are often painful, can be chronic, and are sometimes difficult to treat. To treat the ulcer, it is important to facilitate the skin’s natural healing processes by dressing the ulcer when necessary. However, it is crucial to address not only the ulcer, but the problems that led to its formation.
How does a skin ulcer manifest itself?
All skin ulcers have pain as a common manifestation, linked to the exposure of the deep layers of the epithelium to inflammatory and irritative processes caused by increased sensitivity to mechanical, chemical and infectious trauma.
Skin ulcers present with symptoms that include:
- Pain
- Swelling (oedema)
- Redness
- Bleeding
What to do in the event of a skin ulcer?
This problem should not be underestimated; a dermatologist should be consulted as soon as possible. Dressing of skin ulcers is usually done by performing a cleansing wash with antiseptic in an aqueous solution. We recommend the use of non-irritating antiseptics such as Benzalkonium chloride in an aqueous solution. Solutions with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide should be avoided as they increase irritation and consequently pain.
As a cosmetic adjunct to the treatment of skin ulcers, the application of cotton gauze soaked in PEG Ointment is recommended; this product ensures that the gauze does not adhere to the ulcer and simultaneously absorbs exudates. It is important to use cotton gauze, which ensures that the ulcer is protected from the external environment and at the same time allows the skin to breathe.
