But worry not – as certain treatments and home remedies can help heal leg ulcers. Here, we’ve included a list of natural home remedies that can help you treat leg ulcers effectively. Keep reading.
What Are Leg Ulcers?
Leg ulcers are sores that develop on broken or injured skin. Usually, they are more prominent right above the ankles, on the inner side of your legs. Other than skin injuries, leg ulcers may also develop as a result of an underlying medical condition. The diseases which may lead to the development of leg ulcers are discussed briefly below.
What Causes Leg Ulcers?
Some of the most common diseases that lead to the formation of ulcers on your legs include:
Venous Disease: This is one of the most common underlying causes of leg ulcers. It accounts for about 80% of cases of ulcers in the leg. Venous disease is usually a result of faulty valves in the veins. When the veins fail to push blood towards the heart, it flows back into the legs, eventually causing ulcers.
Arterial Disease: Another disease that triggers leg ulcers is arterial disease. This accounts for 15% of leg ulcers and is a result of blocked arteries in the leg that inhibits blood flow to the underlying tissues.
Other Medical Conditions: Leg ulcers can also be formed due to medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
So, how do you know if you have developed leg ulcers? Look out for the signs and symptoms mentioned below.
Signs And Symptoms Of Leg Ulcers
The most common symptoms that accompany leg ulcers are as follows:
Swelling of the ankles A swollen and enlarged vein in either of your legs Heaviness in the leg The leg begins to ache if you stand for long periods Discoloration on the leg Irritated or flaky skin Skin begins to harden and scale around the ulcers
These symptoms often vary in their severity. Although most leg ulcers usually disappear in a few days, some may be non-healing. It is always better to try and heal leg ulcers as soon as you can to prevent further complications. For that, you need to diagnose them first. The following are a few most common techniques used to diagnose leg ulcers.
How Are Leg Ulcers Diagnosed?
A physical examination is the most common way to diagnose it. A doppler machine can also be used to diagnose leg ulcers based on the blood supply to your legs. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a vascular specialist if he is not able to confirm your condition.
Once you are diagnosed with leg ulcers, you tend to look for different options to treat the condition. And what could be better than being able to do so naturally? Listed below are some of the best home remedies that can help you in treating leg ulcers naturally.
How To Heal Leg Ulcers Naturally
Natural Remedies To Heal Leg Ulcers
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel Do this 2-3 times daily. Aloe vera is a therapeutic herb that is widely used to treat various ailments. It is extremely effective in healing leg ulcers as it not only inhibits the growth of bacteria but also prevents further infection (1). It contains compounds like anthraquinones and certain hormones that are said to render wound healing properties to it (2).
2. Coconut Oil
1 to 2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil Take some virgin coconut oil in your palm and apply it gently to your leg ulcers. You must do this 2-3 times daily for a speedy recovery. Coconut oil exhibits wonderful antibacterial properties owing to the presence of fatty acids like lauric acid. It is also anti-inflammatory and is quite effective in healing leg ulcers and the associated symptoms (3), (4).
3. Honey
100% organic honey Do this at least 2-3 times daily. Honey is one of the most commonly used remedies for treating wounds and burns and is one of the best remedies for leg ulcers (5). Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain, while its healing properties accelerate the healing of the ulcers. Honey is also antibacterial and can inhibit further infection of the ulcers (6), (7).
4. Gotu Kola
A handful of gotu kola leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried gotu kola Water
Apply this paste 1-2 times daily. Gotu kola is a creeping herb that is mainly found in tropical regions like Asia and Africa. It is used to treat open wounds like leg ulcers and burns (8). The presence of compounds like asiatic acid and madecassic acid gives gotu kola its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties (9), (10), (11).
5. Tea Tree Oil
10 to 12 drops of tea tree oil 30 mL of coconut oil
Do this at least twice daily for best results. Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and is used to treat various skin infections (12), (13). Researchers have proved the efficiency of tea tree oil in treating chronic leg ulcers as well (14). It also exhibits strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, which can be of great help in the treatment and healing of leg ulcers (15).
6. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder Water
You must do this at least twice daily. Turmeric has been used for ages for wound healing due to its antibacterial properties (16). It contains a compound called curcumin that has exceptional anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties (17), (18).
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm water A pinch of pepper A small washcloth
Note: Some versions of this remedy call for the use of pepper powder. However, it is not recommended as pepper powder may get accumulated in the ulcer tissue. Do this twice daily. Apple cider vinegar is another natural but effective remedy for leg ulcers. It contains high amounts of acetic acid and is also a rich source of various vitamins and minerals, which make it very effective in treating microbial infections like leg ulcers (19). Due to its wound-healing nature, it is also widely used to treat varicose veins and hence can be quite helpful in treating leg ulcers (20).
8. Vaseline
Vaseline or petroleum jelly Apply a thin layer of Vaseline directly on the leg ulcers. Do this multiple times daily. Petroleum jelly is commercially sold as Vaseline. It forms a protective layer on the ulcer, thereby preventing further infection of the open sore (21). It can also prevent scarring and itchiness. However, it is not a good idea to use Vaseline if you plan on dressing your leg ulcers.
9. Rosemary Essential Oil
3 to 4 drops of rosemary essential oil 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
You must do this 2-3 times daily. Rosemary is used for various purposes, including the treatment and management of wounds (22). It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat the swelling and inflammation (23). Rosemary is also a natural antiseptic and can hence inhibit bacterial growth in the leg ulcers (24).
10. Hawthorn Berries
Hawthorn berries are often used for reducing stress and pressure, but they are also quite effective in treating leg ulcers and open wounds. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and help speed up the healing process (25), (26). Although fresh hawthorn berries are hard to find, you can get the supplements almost everywhere.
11. Yarrow
Yarrow supplements or topical ointment containing yarrow Consume yarrow supplements (350 mg) to help your body recover faster. You can also apply an ointment made of yarrow on the ulcers. Do this on a daily basis. Yarrow is almost as effective as Hawthorn in treating open wounds like leg ulcers (27). It exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that speed up the healing process of the wound while simultaneously reducing inflammation and swelling (if any) (28), (29).
12. Flaxseeds
1 teaspoon of ground flaxseeds Water
Note: Direct application of paste on the wound may lead to infections. Hence, wrapping it in a clean cloth is ideal. Do this at least 1-2 times daily. Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which impart anti-inflammatory properties to them (30). They also help in the faster healing of open wounds and skin ulcers (31). Flaxseeds are also antimicrobial and can help prevent infection (32).
13. Chamomile
1 teaspoon of chamomile herb 1 cup of hot water
You can do this once daily. Recent studies have concluded that chamomile extract can facilitate complete healing of open wounds (33). It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation and swelling around the leg ulcers, while its antibacterial properties help combat and prevent infection (34), (35). These remedies are the safest options to treat leg ulcers. You can also take some precautions to avoid developing these ulcers again. They are as discussed below.
Preventive Tips
Keep a check on your weight Keep your legs elevated every now and then Wear compression stockings at all times, except while sleeping Avoid standing or sitting at a stretch Indulge in gentle exercises and walk daily Keep a check on your blood sugar levels as leg ulcers can also be caused by diabetes
Following these basic tips will prove beneficial for you in the long run. Leg ulcers can turn quite hideous and severe if left untreated. Hence, it is important to treat them on time to avoid complications. Given below are a few side effects that may arise when leg ulcers do not heal.
Side Effects Of Leg Ulcers
Fever Unbearable pain A green and foul-smelling discharge from the ulcers The skin around the ulcers begins to swell The sores become bigger Inflamed skin around the ulcers
How to treat diabetic ulcers on the legs? The following infographic provides information about a few other remedies that can ease leg ulcers and promote healing. Check them out. You can use a saline solution or a similar dressing to provide a moist environment to the wound and kill the bacteria present in and around it. One of the best ways to prevent diabetic ulcers on the legs is wearing appropriate therapeutic footwear. How long does it take for a leg ulcer to heal? Leg ulcers may take three or four months to heal. However, sometimes, they might take even longer, and in a few cases, they not heal at all. In such situations, please consult a doctor immediately. Always keep the ulcer clean to help it heal faster. Why is my leg ulcer not healing? If your leg ulcer is not healing, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor to identify the cause. Non-healing leg ulcers are usually a sign of an underlying disease, which may need immediate medical attention and treatment. Why do leg ulcers keep coming back? If your leg ulcers keep coming back, it means that they have turned chronic and there is some other underlying medical condition (like a venous disease) causing it. Venous leg ulcers become chronic and non-healing due to chronic inflammation. This happens when your venous system is unable to pump blood back to the heart. What is the best cream for leg ulcers? Creams and gels made with natural ingredients are safe and effective options to treat leg ulcers. You can use topical formulations made of components from herbs like yarrow and aloe vera to treat leg ulcers. What is the best dressing for a weeping leg ulcer? You can use honey-impregnated or hydrogel dressings to keep the wound moist and disinfected (36). Can you put peroxide on a leg ulcer? Currently, there is insufficient evidence that suggests that peroxide can heal a leg ulcer. Consult a doctor before trying this remedy.
