What Causes Persistent Leg Ulcer When Suffering From Diabetes?

Brief Answer:
Wait until Wednesday...Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

You are reporting to be a diabetic. Having persistent leg ulcer that is difficult to heal is often due to diabetes. It is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control as it will help in the healing process of the ulcer.

Diabetes is damaging the blood vessels supplying the legs and nearby nerves, thus, making it difficult for the ulcer to heal.

Another factor is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The blood is not circulating correctly, thus, leading to ulcer and swollen leg.

Now, there are 2 ways of approaching the ulcer:
- treating the symptoms
- treating the underlying condition (that has caused ulcer).

Your current symptoms are swollen leg, being red in the front of the legs. Zpack is an antibiotic and will help fight bacterial infection of the ulcer. Preferably, synthetic penicillins are the best choice to treat skin infections (Penicillin, Amoxycyllin with Clavulonate, etc.). To my opinion, as long as the ulcer is not being healed, should think over changing therapy.

Treating the underlying condition is also important. As mentioned earlier, we must identify what is causing ulcer in legs to you:
- diabetes (neuropathy, vasculopathy)?
- deep vein thrombosis

It is important to get further evaluations:
- neurological examinations to exclude diabetic neuropathy
- Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels of the legs. If DVT is confirmed, should consult angiologist for further evaluation and proper treatment.

Until you see your doctor,I advise to:
- continue Zpack
- keep good hygiene of the ulcer. If ulcer is infective, then, I usually advise to soak the legs in warm water with potassium permaganate.
- keep alternating soaking in warm and cold water
- raise your legs wherever you can
- do not stay in standing position for long time

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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