Tropical ulcer: causes, symptoms, and treatments

Tropical ulcer is a pathology, accompanied by inflammation and lesions of skin tissues. A similar problem is most common in places with a warm and humid climate, which, in fact, is evidenced by its name.

Tropical ulcer and its causes

Unfortunately, for today the reasons for the appearance of such skin lesions are not fully understood. Nevertheless, it is proved that a tropical ulcer most often appears on the injured area of the skin, for example, in the place of a scratch or an insect bite.

Even the smallest microcracks can become a gateway to pathogenic microorganisms. Most often in the role of pathogen are bacteria.

In addition, the risk factors include the presence of dirt on the surface of the skin and non-compliance with hygiene rules. Statistics confirm that a tropical ulcer is much more often diagnosed in the poorer part of the population. Certainly, in this case, human nutrition is also important, as the deficiency of minerals and vitamins leads to a decrease in immune defense, which, accordingly, promotes the active multiplication of pathogens.

And the heat and high humidity, characteristic of tropical zones, leads to increased sweating and creates excellent conditions for the development of the disease.

Tropical ulcer: photos and symptoms

It is interesting that in most cases the sores are formed on the legs - it can be a foot, the lower third of the shin, in a word, those parts of the body that are most often amenable to injury. First, a small bubble with bloody fluid appears on the skin. After 1-2 days, it bursts, releasing fetid discharge and exposing the area of necrosis.

And after a few days necrotic tissues of a greenish-gray color are separated, exposing the ulcer itself. The diameter of the lesion more often exceeds five centimeters.

The presence of ulcerated areas, as a rule, does not affect the patient's well-being: fever and weakness are absent. In some cases, ulcers heal on their own, forming a scar of reddish color. But most often a tropical ulcer requires competent treatment.

The fact is that the secondary infection of the wound is not ruled out. In some cases, necrotic process can extend to muscle and even bone tissue. A tropical ulcer can lead to a mass of complications. In particular, some patients experience gangrene and sepsis.

Tropical ulcer: how to treat?

Since the ulcer process is associated with the activity of a bacterial infection, I use antibiotics for treatment. In some cases it is enough to chop the affected skin with the appropriate drug, but sometimes the therapy is supplemented with intravenous administration of drugs.

In addition, the area of ulceration should be constantly cleaned with antiseptic agents and covered with clean bandages. Surgical intervention is necessary only in the most severe cases.

As for preventive measures, they are reduced to a full-fledged diet and the observance of rules of personal hygiene. Every scratch on the skin should be immediately treated with a bactericide. If the ulcer does appear, you need to go to the doctor as soon as possible.