Feeling a little low so thought I would ask if anyone can help?.I have been on line but can't find the right information re. foot ulcers.

[creditcrunchie]

I had my second Illoprost treatment and the open ulcer closed successfully a couple of weeks later but I still couldn'twalk with any comfort and caused the toe to swell when I tried to do distances The toe has a small circle with a black spot (a bit like a verruca) - I have tried every dressing but none help and can aggravate the problem. How long will it take for this remaining area to heal as I am worrying that I will enter next winter without proper healing having taken place.

[zenabb]

I wonder if it has got infected and you need antibiotics. I suggest you see your GP.

[creditcrunchie]

Thanks Zenabb - me and my toe have nearly taken up residence at the GP - in fact I think the toe could walk there on its own. There is no sign of infection and its really clean looking but I think I may go again and have another check up.

[Chrispy]

I get ulcers on my toes due to Raynauds and took antibiotics and had them dressed by the chiropodist but they didn't heal. Then I saw the practice nurse at the GPs and she used a hydrocolloid dressing (Duoderm extra thin). You cover the wound completely and don't take it off until it falls off (about 5 days later) and it works brilliantly for me. I get them on the 'pad' of my toe so I have to put the dressing over my nail. She has now given me a supply so I don't need to see her.

[creditcrunchie]

Thank you so very much Christy - I am seeing the GP on Thursday and will ask him about the hydrocollod dressing. Can I ask you if you have found thinning of the skin taking place because of the continual ulceration.

[AHM42]

If this persists request to see a tissue viability nurse. They are the experts at healing ulcers which are persistent. Mine had taken 5 months following a toe amputation and only started the healing process when I requested to see a tissue viability nurse who experimented and treated with various dressings etc. She then put me in touch with a podiatrist at my local hospital. Things are now progressing and I have confidence in that someone really understands what I have been gong through and is doing something about it.

AHM

[JemimaDoll]

As AHM42 said, please do see a tissue viability nurse. Ask your GP to refer you. I have been very troubled with many foot ulcers, for a year and a half. My tissue viability nurses have been amazing, and they are experts in this area, and you really need this specialist treatment.

As also mentioned by AHM42, they have experimented with many dressings, and compression, and I have been in bandages. Every ulcer is different, and these nurses will tailor your treatment to your particular ulcer.

After wonderful treatment, my ever so painful ulcer has just healed, after 8 months. I am also about to see a podiatrist, to talk about orthotics. Good luck. There really is a light at the end of th tunnel. x

[creditcrunchie]

Thanks AHM31 amd JemimaDoll with your excellent feedback. I am due to see my rheumatologist in a couple of weeks and I will raise the subject of the tissue viability nurse and my worries about the skin thinning as this is an on going problem each winter any information I gain now can only help for the future. I now have some hydrocolloid dressing on the toe and live in hopes. I will keep you posted and again thank you all for this useful feedback none of which I would know about without this wonderful website.

[Cocoajojo]

I too second AHM31..I had to have lots of time off work last winter, with other periods of sickness over the yrs with grade 2 ulcers. Worst being 3 weeks in hospital as whole feet ulcerated and had no skin left on toes

The black marks you refer to may well be digital infarcts, of which I had over each toe during healing post illoprost.

Duoderm was a God sent and was perfect in aiding my attempts of mobility.

This blog makes me realise I am indeed 'normal' after all after yrs of trying to explain my dodgy feet.folks sadly have no awareness and just think my feet get a little cold.

Thank you guys

[overnighthearingloss]

I have not had ulcers on my feet but have found that anything to encourage blood supply to the infected area is useful when treating other ulcers.

I have found that if ulcers are angry and painful it is often infection related. Whether or not it is obvious when you look at it.

With finger ulcers I have found keeping the area warm and clean aids healing which I achieve by wearing extra warm gloves. I wonder whether something similar might help with foot ulcers.

Unfortunately a sense of fashion must be abandoned

[creditcrunchie]

Thanks everyone who found time to answer my query - I believe all of it has been really helpful. When I read of other people's problems it makes mine dwarf into insignificance. Thank you again