Desperately looking for some advice

[django47]

Hi,
This is my first post on this forum. First of all let me make it clear that I am not a pharmacist or even work in a chemist, in fact I'm just a,very, lay person. But the reason I'm here is because I have searched everywhere for advice on recomended treatment for a vascular ulcer I've had for over 3 years and refuses to heal.
Before I go any further, let me make it clear that I know this is not one of those medical sites that advise on treament etc and this is a phamacist forum, not a doctors forum but I am so desperate because the doctors have had me on loads of different treatments and none have helped in the slightest.
What I would really like to know, as pharmacists must have a wide knowlege of drugs etc and what they are dispensed for, can anyone tell me of anything I can try (through my gp of course), which to the best of their knowlege has successfully healed one of his/her customers vascular ulcer.
In my experience, pharmacists, have a far greater overall knowlege of drugs and treatments than doctors do, probably because they dispense thousands of prescriptions and get to know their customers during the course of their work.
I know theirs loads and loads of different treatments for ulcers, but I would love to hear of something with a reputation that really works. I am willing to try anything, so long as it's not too expensive.
Any suggestions I would be eternally greatful for. Also I will be really greatful if anyone took the trouble to read this post. Thank you very much!
Mick (django47).

[DavidS]

Well, good luck. I do know that vascular ulcers can be particularly difficult to heal, and that what seems to work for one does not always work for another....

My recollection is that reduced blood circulation to the area is often implicated, so I would expect gentle exercise, being a proper weight (or even slightly on the light side of "normal" non-smoking and a daily small quantity of alcohol might all help.

I will be interested in reading people's answers to this myself.

[django47]

Well, good luck. I do know that vascular ulcers can be particularly difficult to heal, and that what seems to work for one does not always work for another....

My recollection is that reduced blood circulation to the area is often implicated, so I would expect gentle exercise, being a proper weight (or even slightly on the light side of "normal" non-smoking and a daily small quantity of alcohol might all help.

I will be interested in reading people's answers to this myself.

David s, I did reply to your post but I'm not sure where it is, it's on pharmacy-forum somewhere, thank you. Django47

[johnep]

If the ulcer is healthy, then you need to have a graft or at least promote epithelialisation. Pantothenic acid has been used in the past. You can buy the tablets and Bepanthen cream. However, if the ulcer is deep, then difficult for skin to grow back. Try the cream around the edges. Manuka honey has been used, try a google on this.

If the ulcer is infected, then Fusidic acid tablets and cream (Prescription required) may help. A swab needs to be taken first. You may have varicose eczema around the ulcer. This can be treated with the Bepanthen Cream, and, if severe, Fucidin Cream (two week courses only to avoid development of resistance).

As DavidS said, anything to increase circulation would be beneficial. Vasodilators have been used in the past. Nicotinic acid tablets may help. Gentle exercise such as a Tea Dance and Bowling help me. Avoid supermarket trolleys hitting your ankles.
Most areas have an Ulcer Clinic that you should be attending.
johnep