Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient form of healing that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Varicose ulcers are a common condition that can be difficult to treat, but Ayurvedic treatments offer a natural, holistic approach to healing. In this article, we will explore the various Ayurvedic treatments available for varicose ulcers and how they can be used to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
Varicose Ulcers Ayurvedic Treatment
What are varicose ulcers?
Varicose ulcers are open sores that develop on the skin as a result of underlying venous insufficiency, which occurs when the valves in the veins of the legs fail to function properly, causing blood to pool in the veins and leading to swelling, inflammation, and eventually skin breakdown.
Varicose ulcers usually appear on the lower leg, near the ankle or calf, and may be accompanied by pain, itching, or a sensation of heaviness or tightness in the affected limb.
Varicose ulcers are very slow to heal because of reduced blood circulation in the limb. It may take weeks to months to heal completely with treatment.
Varicose ulcer causes
Varicose ulcers happen when the valves in the veins of the legs fail to function properly, causing blood to pool and accumulate in the veins. This increased pressure can eventually cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to the formation of a Varicose ulcer.
Who can get varicose ulcers?
Varicose ulcers are more common in older people and women are more affected than men. Below are a few factors that have the chance of getting the varicose ulcers
- People having Varicose veins
- Smokers
- Leg injuries
- Obese
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
- Pregnancy
- Family history
- Standing or sitting for a longer period.
Symptoms of varicose ulcer
Varicose ulcers are open sores in the skin often with pain that develops usually between the knee and ankle. They take more than 4- 6 weeks to heal. Following are the symptoms of varicose ulcers.
- Itching
- Burning
- swelling
- brownish discoloration
- fluid oozing from the ulcer
- dry skin
- Swollen and enlarged veins on your legs
When the ulcer becomes infected then it may show
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Pus
- Redness of the surrounding skin
- Swelling
Diagnosis
Doctors examine the ulcer and a detailed history will help to diagnose whether you have a varicose ulcer.
In some cases, the doctor may suggest some tests such as CT -scan, Dopper study, or x-ray to check out the veins and area around the ulcer to get more details.
Varicose ulcer treatment
Treatment for varicose ulcers typically involves addressing the underlying venous insufficiency, such as wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, and sometimes surgical interventions to correct the underlying venous insufficiency.
Topical wound care and sometimes antibiotics may also be used to help the ulcer heal when it gets infected by bacteria.
How to prevent Varicose ulcers?
Varicose ulcers can be prevented by medication, diet, and lifestyle changes
- If you are obese then reduce your weight
- If you are suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes then manage them properly with medications.
- Quit Smoking
- Reduce the amount of salt in your diet
- Exercise regularly
- Use compression stocking
- Whenever possible keep your legs elevated for easy blood flow.
- Avoid getting injured
- Avoid standing or sitting for a prolonged time.
Varicose Ulcers Ayurvedic Treatment
Varicose ulcers are known as siragranthijanya vrana in ayurveda.
According to acharya Sushruta a person who is weak, indulges in activities that increase vata dosha. The aggravated vata dosha when it enters to sira’s squeezes and dries them and results in developing a round swelling of veins is termed siragranthi.
If the siragranthis are not treated properly as a result of their complication causes siragranthijanya vrana (varicose ulcer)
According to ayurveda vrana chikitsa is done depending on the doshas involved. Following external therapies are administered
- Kashaya dhara
- Ksheera dhara
- Bhandhana
- Choorna prakshepana
- Dhoopana
- Taila and Ghrita application
Once the varicose ulcer symptoms reduce panchakarma treatments are advised to expel morbid doshas and prevent the reoccurrence of varicose ulcers.
Ayurvedic Medicines for Varicose Ulcers
Various ayurvedic medicines are used in treating varicose ulcers depending on the status of the patient and the disease. Below are few
- Aragwadhadi kashayam
- Patoladi kashayam
- Thikatakadi Kashayam
- Triphala Choorna
- Mahathikataka Ghrita
- Thiktaka Ghruta
- Manibhadra lehya
- Amruthothara Kashayam
- Rajanyadi kashayam
- Patolakaturohinyadi kashayam
- Chirivilwadi kashayam
- Kaishora guggulu
- Amritadi guggulu
- Guluchyadi Kashayam
- Jatyadi thaila
- Triphala kashayam
- Manjistadi kashayam
- Nalpamara choorna
Ayurvedic treatment uses drugs that have the qualities such as wound healing (vrana ropaka), wound cleansing (vrana shodaka), blood purifiers (rakta shodaka), anti-inflammatory (shothahara), rejuvenators( rasayana) in the management of varicose ulcers.
Varicose ulcers, also known as venous ulcers, are open wounds that occur on the skin of the legs or feet, usually as a result of chronic venous insufficiency.
One must follow the dietary changes and modifications suggested by the doctor. This helps in faster healing and avoids the causative factors that can imbalance doshas again.
conclusion
Varicose ulcers are a common reoccurring problem when a person is suffering from chronic varicose veins. Varicose ulcers often appear as shallow, irregularly-shaped wounds that are slow to heal and may be accompanied by pain, itching, or a feeling of heaviness in the affected area. They are typically located around the ankle or lower leg and are more common in older adults, particularly those with a history of varicose veins or other venous disorders.
Treatment typically involves managing the underlying venous insufficiency, such as wearing compression stockings, elevating the affected leg, and sometimes surgery or other interventions to improve blood flow. Proper wound care, including cleaning the wound and dressing it appropriately, is also important for promoting healing and preventing infection.
Ayurvedic varicose ulcer treatment helps in reducing venous congestion, and wound tissue healing. It promotes natural healing, a time-saving, cost-effective treatment option one can choose to treat varicose ulcers.
NOTE: “This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call or visit your doctor.” For more information about Varicose Ulcers Ayurvedic Treatment and consultation call +919945850945 Limited consultations per day with prior appointments only.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/venous-skin-ulcer
- Vasudevan B. Venous leg ulcers: Pathophysiology and Classification. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2014 Jul;5(3):366-70. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.137819. PMID: 25165676; PMCID: PMC4144244.
- Robles-Tenorio A, Lev-Tov H, Ocampo-Candiani J. Venous Leg Ulcer. [Updated 2022 Sep 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567802/
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/venous-leg-ulcer#about-venous-leg-ulcers
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- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331233651_Management_of_Venous_Ulcer_through_Ayurveda_A_Case_Report