VENOUS ULCERS:One of the most difficult problems to manage in vein disease is a chronic, non-healing venous leg ulcer that just does not heal on its own. Leg ulcers cause the skin to break down and ulcerate through the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Once infection and bacterial contamination set in, the wound can further deteriorate and cause secondary damage to underlying tissue. Some of the most severe vein ulcers expose the bone and periosteum of the ankle and leg. STASIS DERMATITIS AND VENOUS ULCERS:A precursor to vein ulcers is a skin condition known as stasis dermatitis. This skin condition is charaterized by a gradual reddening or browning of the skin in the early stages, followed by skin thickening and fibrosis. Stasis dermatitis may be ignored in the early stages, with late-stage evolution causing permanent changes in the skin. The presence of stasis dermatitis is usually associated with venous insufficiency and longstanding venous reflux. Venous ulcers and skin breakdown are usually found in the latter-stages of this disease process. Once a venous ulcer is formed, it is very difficult to reverse the process as there may be permanent changes to the skin and the blood supply around the skin. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is one of the top vein specialists in Los Angeles and can provide you with exceptional expertise in spider vein and varicose vein treatment. Our center contains an ambulatory surgical center and is equipped with the latest ultrasound diagnostic tools, vein illumination machines, and therapeutic lasers to help you regain confidence and remove unwanted varicose veins. |
