STASIS ULCER

STASIS ULCERS or leg ulcers are open sores that can develop because of poor circulation in the legs that compromises blood flow. Once a cut, an abrasion, or other injury occurs, skin surrounding the site of the wound begins to deteriorate, making it more susceptible to a running sore. Sometimes a statis ulcer will develop on a leg where it was injured in the past. People who suffer from diabetes or varicose veins or who are overweight are especially susceptible. These sores can be difficult to heal and they should be treated by a doctor, but there are steps you can take to speed healing.

Adequate nutrition is essential and I urge patients who suffer from stasis ulcers to make sure their diet is adequate and also to take supplements, particularly those associated with the healing process.

There are natural steps you can take to aid the healing of leg ulcers. Numerous studies have reported that a compress of sugar will inhibit bacterial growth and stimulate healing in an open wound, and I’ve had success with this compress in my practice. To prepare it, mix common granulated sugar with either Betadine (an antibacterial liquid found in any pharmacy) or hydrogen peroxide until the mixture forms a soft paste. You then apply the paste to the wound and cover it with a gauze bandage. Carefully rinse the wound of the old paste and apply a fresh sugar dressing two to three times daily.

Vitamin E applied topically can help prevent recurrence of the wound once it has healed.

NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR STASIS ULCER

• If you have a wound that won’t heal, you should be under the care of a doctor. It’s possible that will need to take antibiotics.
• Treating the predisposing condition will help to heal the wound: such as if you are diabetic, use treatments prescribed for diabetes; and if you have varicose veins, use treatments prescribed for varicose veins. As always, if you are overweight, make an effort to lose weight.
• A sugar compress can aid healing. Mix common granulated sugar with either Betadine or hydrogen peroxide until it forms a soft paste. Apply this to the wound and cover it with a gauze bandage. Repeat this application two to three times dally after gently rinsing out old paste with water.

IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY SUPPLEMENTS, TAKE:

• Vitamin C: 2,000 mg. or 2 g. dally in divided doses at meals and bedtime.
• Vitamin A: 10,000 I.U. dally.
• Zinc: 22.5 to 50 mg, daily.
• Vitamin E: 400 I.U. daily. Also, vitamin E oil squeezed from a capsule directly on the site of the wound can help prevent recurrence,
• Vitamin B3: 100 mg, daily.
• Amino acid glutamine: 500 mg. daily.