Page 165 - LECTURE NOTES

7.8.1 Tropical ulcer

Tropical ulcers commonly develop at the site of an injury of abrasion and usually occur
on lower extremities

1. Causative organism

¾ Treponema Vincent
¾ Bacillus fusifornes

Transmission – By direct contact and flies

2. Clinical picture
¾ The ulcer become large quickly as the skin and subcutaneous tissue involved

¾ The skin around the edge of the ulcer is hard, hot and tender to touch

3. Complication
The ulcer may become very deep down to the bone and ostomyelitis may develop.

4. Management
¾ The goal of the management is to give an emphasis to control the infection and

promote healing of the ulcer
¾ Bed rest to enhance wound healing

¾ Encourage the patient to take a good nutrition like vitamin and protein (good diet)

¾ Clean the skin with soap solution and cover it with clean cloth
¾ Refer the patient to nearest clinic or Health centre

5. Prevention
¾ Since the disease appeared as result of malnutrition and poor personal hygiene the

health worker has to teach community the importance of personal hygiene and
nutrition.

¾ Give health education about maintaining of the wound cleanness and the need of

treatment.

7.8.2 Bedsore
It is a special type of ulcer caused by impaired blood supply and tissue nutrition

resulting from prolonged pressure over bony prominences. The most common areas

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