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Ulcers of the Leg.These ulcers are of various kinds, and originate in various ways. They may proceed from a constitutional taint, such as syphilis ; but they are more frequently caused by enlargement of the veins of the leg. In most cases the ulceration begins as a blister or pimple, which after a time breaks and discharges a little watery fluid. This sore may scab over, but usually breaks out again, and keeps constantly increasing in size. In course of time the skin becomes ulcerated and matter is freely discharged from it. These ulcers may attain enormous size, so as to include, in fact, a considerable portion of the skin between the knee and the ankle. In most cases of severe ulceration of the leg in which the individual has not had syphilis, the veins of the leg and thigh will be found to be enlarged, constituting the condition known as " varicose veins. " These ulcers occur almost always in middle or advanced life, though they may be found in children who are poorly nourished. Treatment. - The healing of the ulcers will be promoted by improvement of the general health. In most cases, however, the sufferers are unable to enjoy the recreation, air and exercise which form such important elements in improving the health. Yet what can be done in the way of food and personal care should not be neglected, since such measures will have a marked effect in hastening the healing of the ulcers. The treatment consists chiefly of local applications. Sometimes the ulcers can be healed by the constant application of astringent ointments, of which the following is a good example: Diachylon ointment, - One ounce. Vaseline, .. One ounce. Mix. Apply the ointment spread upon soft cloths, which should be bound over the ulcer by means of a bandage. The healing of the ulcer will be promoted by measures which tend to keep the blood out of the leg. For this purpose the leg may be enclosed in a bandage of soft flannel which is applied from the foot to the knee. Muslin bandages should be avoided, since it requires considerable practice arid skill to apply these evenly and firmly. As they are ordinarily put upon the leg, they do injury rather than good ; for they are generally arranged so as to leave deep impressions in the skin, and even to cut or abrade the surface. The healing of the ulcers will be hastened by keeping the foot elevated as many hours in the day as possible. This can be best accomplished by having the patient lie down, or at least by supporting the foot upon a chair. Yet, as a matter of fact, it is practically impossible to persuade a person to remain in bed or on a chair all day and night, even though he have the opportunity ; and for most individuals the opportunity is lacking. It was, therefore, a godsend for persons afflicted with ulcers of the leg, when Dr. Martin introduced to the profession the rubber bandages, which he had himself employed in his private practice for twenty-five years. These bandages are simply made of pure rubber, of varying widths and lengths, according to the needs of the patient. The bandage is applied directly to the skin without interposing any dressings or ointments over the ulcer. It should be put on in the morning before the patient leaves the bed, or even puts his foot out of the bed. It is applied to the foot first, and then wound snugly around the ankle and leg some distance above the site of the ulcer. The patient can then rise and attend to his usual duties. The bandage is quite warm, and causes profuse perspiration of the limb ; there is apt to be also an increased discharge from the surface of the ulcer. Yet these elements do not interfere at all with the beneficial effect of the bandage ; in fact, the benefit seems to depend largely upon the moisture and warmth secured by the bandage as well as by the support to the veins of the skin. At night the bandage is removed and carefully cleansed with warm water, after which it may be hung up to dry until morning. The limb should be also bathed and cleansed, and the ointment above mentioned may be applied during the night. The success obtained in the treatment of ulcers of the leg by the use of this bandage astonished every physician who employed it. The most obstinate ulcers, even those which had resisted ordinary measures for years, were healed in a few months or even a few weeks by the constant use of this bandage ; and the patient had moreover the pleasure and profit of pursuing his usual avocation instead of being compelled to sit or recline during the day. For all those, therefore, who suffer from obstinate ulcers of the leg, a Martin's bandage should be obtained. If, after the ulcer has been thoroughly healed, the bandage be no longer worn, the trouble may return ; yet it can be again healed in the same way. To afford the greatest security against a fresh outbreak of the ulcer, the bandage should be worn for some weeks after the ulcer has entirely closed. There are a few cases in which ulcers of the leg heal very slowly even under the use of a rubber bandage. In these cases there is usually either some constitutional taint in the patient, such as gout, rheumatism or syphilis, or the veins of the leg are extremely large. In such cases the appropriate treatment must, of course, be directed to the condition which seems to retard the healing of the ulcer. There are cases of ulcers of the leg which can be healed only after the varicose veins are operated upon ; so long as these veins remain in their enlarged condition, either the ulcer will not heal, or if it heals it soon breaks out again and becomes as bad as before. By operating upon the veins so as to prevent the blood from distending them constantly, the ulcers may be healed almost without treatment, since they are merely the results of enlarged condition of the veins. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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