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Leg ulcer shower or keep dry?

Posted , 7 users are following.

jackie69407
jackie69407

I have a leg ulcer which just does not want to heal. I am on my 5th lot of antibiotics and still not getting anywhere.

I have been getting different advice some saying shower some saying keep dry. What works best for you people out there?

Also had a go at manuka honey dressings which didn't seem to work for me. And tried dressings with silver in which seemed to help a bit.

Any other advice on dressings and medicinal applications would be gladly accepted.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • g83022
    g83022 jackie69407

    Posted

    Hi there. Sounds very similar to me. My nurse been putting a dressing on this weekly and it is waterproof. Wetting the wound was meaning it was breaking down and taking much longer to heal. Only since keeping it dry with the dressing have I saw improvement.  
  • g83022
    g83022 jackie69407

    Posted

    Finally just no ointment on the actual wound unless Inflamed. Important to keep leg around ulcer moistured though. Good luck 
  • CraftyCanuck
    CraftyCanuck jackie69407

    Posted

    Jackie I do not know if you have resolved your issue, and I can only speak from personal experience in my commenting. I assume you have been to your GP, since you are on your 5th course if anti-biotics, what does he/she say about the ulcer? You must be careful of infection, I spent the entire month of June in hospital due to an infection in both legs.

    It wasn't until I saw a wound care nurse, while in hospital, that I was diagnosed with Lymphedema, and put on the proper IV anti-biotics. If 4 rounds of anti-biotic have not cured it, please seek further care.

    • jackie69407
      jackie69407 CraftyCanuck

      Posted

      Hi

      Think I'm getting there at last.

      I have had 6 lots of antibiotics in total and kept it as dry as possible, and it seems to be doing the job.

      Just left with a very small wound now.

      It still weeps but I'm getting somewhere at last.

      Regards

      Jackie

    • CraftyCanuck
      CraftyCanuck jackie69407

      Posted

      I am so pleased to hear that Jackie! I know how delicate the skin is on my legs, and how cautious I have to be, even a bump can peel the skin or create a sore.

      I am currently in compression wraps, (Cobans) awaiting my stockings, these help control my Lymphedema, so I try to be as careful as possible. I hope that is the last ulcer you will ever experience!

    • jackie69407
      jackie69407 CraftyCanuck

      Posted

      I hope so too.

      I got mine just by grazing my ankle on a pallet in work. So i know how easy it is to get them.

      I hope you manage to clear yours soon too.

      Good luck.

  • robbo49
    robbo49 jackie69407

    Posted

    I Have a limbo sock for when i shower you can get them on Prescription Or buy On Line.
  • triban3
    triban3 jackie69407

    Posted

    Hi Jackie69407. I hope by this time your ulcer has healed but if not, have you tried, "FLAMINAL FORTE ? This is a cream specifically for leg ulcers. I've used it on an ulcer that would not heal and it worked wonders. It was given to me first by a leg ulcer specialist at my hospital and later by the nurse at my GPs clinic. If you haven't tried it ask your doctor if he will prescribe it for you. You can look it up on the internet to see how it works. Good luck Jackie, I wish you well.

    • jackie69407
      jackie69407 triban3

      Posted

      Thanks for the feed back.

      Thankfully my ulcer has now healed.

      But i will keep a note of this in case I'm unlucky enough to get another.

      Thanks again.

  • triban3
    triban3 jackie69407

    Posted

    You're very welcome Jackie69407 I really hope you never have to take my advice. Leg ulcers are the most painful thing I have ever experienced. I have been unlucky enough to have two. I don't want a third. Good health to you Jackie69407

    • jackie69407
      jackie69407 triban3

      Posted

      I have to agree with you, it's the most painful thing i have ever experience too.

      Here's hoping we both never experience it again.

  • kelly_30287
    kelly_30287 jackie69407

    Posted

    Hi, it was my sister that had an ulcer for about 5 years and it has now thankfully gone but she often felt confused with advice too. I would personally say do not get wet as every time you remove the plaster or compression (not sure which you have) you are opening it up to all the infections again. Are you in compression? If not talk to the doctors about it. Have they given you waterproof dressings or a bag to put over it? 

    Kelly 

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