A medical treatment for stasis ulcers.

Abstract

Chronic, nonspecific ulcers of the leg, commonly called stasis ulcers or varicose ulcers, have presented a difficult therapeutic problem for many years. Some of the medicaments and treatments that we have used are Unna's paste bandages, adhesive dressings, scarlet red ointment, chlorophyll preparation ointment (Chloresium), vitamin A ointment, vitamin D ointment, vitamin A and D ointment, ultraviolet light, dry heat such as an incandescent bulb under a wire cradle, x-rays in small doses (5 r at a time), ammoniated mercury ointment, gentian violet solution (aqueous and alcoholic), pantothenyl alcohol (Panthenol) ointment, aluminum acetate (Burow's) solution, boric acid solution and ointment, and occlusion, ligation, and stripping of veins by competent surgeons; none has offered more than fair results. Streptokinase-streptodornase (Varidase) and trypsin (Tryptar) have been used to clear the ulcers of crusts and detritus, but otherwise were not helpful. Antibiotic ointments were no more effective than other bactericidal ointments and solutions.