Venous and Arterial Ulcers are one of the most common types of wounds. They can arise due to various reasons, such as pressure from sitting or standing for long periods, obesity, smoking, and diabetes. The good news is that they’re generally easy to diagnose and treat. But before you go ahead with any treatment options, it’s essential to find the right specialist. In San Antonio, TX, you have dependable centers ready to remedy venous and arterial ulcers. Here are some main treatment options to expect from a venous and arterial ulcers center in San Antonio, Texas.
Debridement
One of the most common treatments for venous and arterial ulcers is debridement. This process involves removing any dead or infected tissue from the wound to heal correctly. There are a few different methods of debridement, which your doctor will discuss with you depending on the severity of your ulcer.
Specialized Dressings
There are various types of wound dressings, and your doctor will choose the one that’s best suited to your situation. Some of the most common styles include;
- Gauze dressings: Gauze is a thin, absorbent fabric that often covers and protects wounds. It’s available in both woven and non-woven varieties.
- Non-stick dressings: Non-stick dressings are from a unique material that prevents them from sticking to the wound. It makes them easy to remove and less painful to change.
- Hydrocolloid dressings: Hydrocolloid dressings are made from a gel-like material that helps absorb drainage from the wound. They’re also effective in preventing the formation of scabs.
- Transparent films: Transparent films are dressings made from a thin, see-through material. They’re often used to protect delicate wounds or injuries.
Medications
If your doctor suspects that the ulcer comes from poor blood circulation, they may prescribe medications to improve your blood flow. These can include drugs like aspirin, statins, and warfarin.
If your doctor suspects that your arterial ulcer is caused by poor balancing of salts and minerals in the body, they may prescribe medications to help correct the imbalance. These medications can include sodium bicarbonate and diuretics.
Compression Therapy for Venous Ulcers
If your doctor diagnoses you with a venous ulcer, they may recommend compression therapy. This treatment uses pressure to help improve blood flow in the affected area. It’s often used to treat venous ulcers but can also effectively treat other types of wounds.
There are various compression therapies available, which your doctor will discuss with you depending on the nature of your ulcer. Your doctor may recommend elastic bandages, specialized boots, or compression garments like stockings.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
If your doctor diagnoses you with an arterial ulcer, they may recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment uses high oxygen levels to help improve blood flow and healing in the affected area. It’s usually offered in a hospital setting, and your doctor will discuss with you if it’s the proper treatment for you.
Venous and Arterial Ulcers can arise from various reasons, including obesity, smoking, and diabetes. Luckily, they’re generally easy to diagnose and treat. You need to approach a specialist who will tailor a treatment to suit your medical needs.