San José, Costa Rica. Abril, 2016.

If you look at any part of your body, you will be able to appreciate with the naked eye that it is our largest organ, which envelops us to protect us from the environment that surrounds us. In an average human being, it measures two square meters and weighs five kilograms. We are talking, of course, about the skin.

Clearly, since it is the protecting layer that takes care of all our body, we should pay attention to it, especially when ulcers appear. Although it is true that these are not a direct threat to our lives, they could lead to complications such as infections, severe bleeding or even the amputation of the member where they appear. In addition, they can also be a symptom of skin cancer and extend to other parts of our body.

Why do ulcers appear on the skin?

According to Doctor Nelson Aguilar, dermatologist of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital, there are four main reasons why ulcers may appear: blood circulation problems, skin cancer, infections and immobility.

In case they are due to circulatory issues, ulcers tend to appear on the legs and around the ankles, with the possibility of becoming chronic. On their part, those that originate from the immobility of persons who are in bed for prolonged periods, tend to appear on the areas of support or pressure that have some bony protrusion, such as the sacrum, the hip or the ankles. Finally, the ulcers that appear as a symptom of cancer can appear anywhere on the body, especially in the areas exposed to the sun, such as the face and arms. “They usually begin as small scabs that do not heal and grow larger until they become ulcers,” explained the specialist.

According to what Aguilar adds, the appearance of ulcers is related “with the habits of people and family heritage. White people are more prone to skin cancer. People with varicose veins or smokers have a greater risk of leg ulcers. And sedentary people have a greater risk of remaining in bed due to loss of muscular strength or as a sequel of some degenerative disease, such as a stroke or diabetes.”

How can we treat and prevent ulcers?

Once skin ulcers have appeared, there are fortunately treatments to seal our natural protecting layer. As Doctor Aguilar points out, depending on the type of ulcer the procedure varies. For those ulcers that are very deep, one can apply negative pressure, while the more superficial ones can be treated with different bandages depending on whether they are humid or dry. In case there is dead tissue, it is necessary to carry out a surgical cleaning and, if there is infection, antibiotics must be provided.

With regard to prevention, we must take into account that, because the skin is the largest organ of our body, we must care for it from an early age with four essential habits:

• Avoid exposure to the sun for prolonged periods.
• Use moisturizing creams
• Do not smoke.
• Go to the dermatologist to assess the skin and receive recommendations.

It is also important to have extreme care with senior adults since, as the specialist points out, they “are more prone to ulcers because they have more risk factors as a result of advanced age, such as bad circulation (due to blocked arteries or varicose veins), accumulated solar exposure and the lack of mobility in some.”

Therefore, in their case it is recommended to use moisturizing creams and elastic stockings to improve circulation. In case the senior adult is immobile, it is important to change his/her position constantly and use pillows or special mattresses in order to protect the risk areas, as well as applying moisturizers.

Let us remember that prevention means a better and longer life, especially when it is about the organ in charge of protecting our entire body.

In order to obtain further information or request an appointment in any of the medical specialties, please contact the private Hospital Clínica Bíblica at telephone number 2522-1000, by email at citas@clinicabiblica.com or via chat at the website: www.clinicabiblica.com