Guide To The Causes Of Leg Ulcers

Genetics

In some instances, leg ulcers can be hereditary, which means that an individual's genetics is what increases their risk of developing them. In other words, if an individual has an immediate family member who has had leg ulcers, they themselves are more likely to develop them. The influence of genetics on the development of leg ulcers is, in some cases, unclear. However, it is also worth noting that some of the previously mentioned risk factors and causes also have a genetic component to them. This means that they also increase the chances of an individual developing leg ulcers. Two examples of this are diabetes and heart disease. Some kidney diseases are genetic and can lead to kidney failure, another risk factor for leg ulcer development.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare, chronic autoimmune condition. It affects the skin and other organs, resulting in inflammation and other issues, such as tight and thickened skin. Scleroderma causes many problems in the body because of these effects. In many cases, patients can deal with problems in their kidneys, heart, lungs, and other areas.

Examples of these problems include rapid kidney failure, heart disease, and heart failure. In all of these examples, patients are at a much higher risk for the development of leg ulcers. In addition, the chronic inflammation linked to scleroderma is another significant trigger for the formation of leg ulcers. Unfroatunely, there is no cure for scleroderma, though patients can manage their condition with treatments such as laser therapy, exercise, occupational therapy, and a healthy diet.