A slow-healing ulcer is at risk of becoming infected. There are various types of bacteria, and certain ones will lead to a particularly aggressive infection called necrotising fasciitis.
If an ulcer becomes infected with necrotising fasciitis, emergency treatment is needed. Otherwise a lot of tissue will die, potentially resulting in extensive debridement, an amputation or fatal complications.
Slow-healing ulcer
A slow-healing ulcer is also known as a chronic ulcer. It happens when an open sore develops on the skin but does not heal due to an underlying medical condition. Normally this will be a long-standing illness that causes poor circulation to the tissues, such as diabetes, venous disease and arterial disease. Most commonly such ulcers will appear on the legs.
Ulcers can also occur due to sustained pressure being placed on the tissue. This will block the blood supply, causing the tissues to breakdown. These ulcers are known as pressure sores or bedsores. Pressure ulcers can be prevented by changing position regularly to relieve pressure points. However, some people will be unable to do this – perhaps due to old age, disability or illness.
Slow-healing ulcer and infection
An ulcer is especially vulnerable to infection. Because the wound is so exposed, bacteria can easily access the ulcer and get into the underlying tissue.
When the tissues become infected with bacteria, a patient will become unwell. There will be pain around the ulcer, and the surrounding tissue will be red and inflamed. A patient may also develop a fever.
If the bacteria which cause necrotising fasciitis have entered the ulcer, a patient will develop further symptoms. These include discoloured skin and tissue death.
Treating necrotising fasciitis
When a patient suffers necrotising fasciitis, it is essential that medical practitioners diagnose the condition and provide emergency treatment.
Doctors should appreciate that someone with a slow-healing ulcer is particularly susceptible to infection. Therefore when presented with the typical symptoms of infection – such as fever and painful, inflamed tissue – it should not take medical professionals long to suspect a tissue infection and carry out further investigations.
Failure to diagnose and treat infected ulcer
If there is a failure to diagnose and treat an infected ulcer, the consequences could be serious. If you or your loved one has suffered because of a poor standard of care, you need to find out whether there is a case of medical negligence.
To talk to a solicitor about a medical compensation claim, please contact us today.
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