Leg ulcers are common in the elderly, those with long term diabetes and circulation problems. There are many diseases such as Status Dermatitis, Venous insufficiency and others who's symptoms include ulcers usually on the lower legs. Some drugs may contribute to or cause leg ulcers.

Leg ulcers are open sores not caused by an injury. Usually the lower leg becomes red and may have blisters and itching. The most prescribed treatment by the medical community is compression stockings and they do often help. It is not recommended to use them over an unprotected open sore. An un bandaged open sore can attach to the stocking and increase infection as well as to be painful when removing the stocking. Unfortunately like most medical treatments compression stockings only aid in reducing the symptom and do not treat the cause. See these sites for the medical industries answer to leg ulcers and lower leg problems. http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/besttreatments/leg-ulcers-treatments-treatments-to-prevent-leg-ulcers - http://dermnetnz.org/site-age-specific/leg-ulcers.html Note the typical medical answer to this disease is their typical response, stop smoking, lose weight, and exercise. Obviously they are three good things but what about the millions who do not smoke, are not over weight, exercise and still have these problems? Again instead of a treatment the response is likely to be, you are not exercising enough.

Some herbs medical researchers have tested and reported to treat dermatitis problems are; Wheatgrass, Comfrey, Calendula,

1. "The most common cause of chronic leg ulcers is poor blood circulation in the legs. These are known as arterial and venous leg ulcers. Other causes include: injuries - traumatic ulcers, diabetes - because of poor blood circulation or loss of sensation (nerve damage) resulting in pressure ulcers, certain skin conditions, vascular diseases (stroke, angina, heart attack), tumours, infections." http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/footandlegulcers.htm

2. There is a product that advertises a guaranteed formula they state contains the following items. Vitamin A 7000 iu, Vitamin B-2 (18mg) , Vitamin B-5 (50mg), Vitamin B-1 (250mcg), Vitamin D400 iu, Vitamin K50 mcg, Vitamin B-1 (15mg), Vitamin B-3 (30mg), Vitamin B-6 (10mg), Vitamin C (600mg), Vitamin E 80 iu. Minerals: Calcium 300 mg, Iodine 160 mcg, Magnesium 130 mg, Phosphorus 150 mg, Zinc15 mg, Copper 1 mg, Iron 10 mg, Manganese 12 mg, Potassium 150 mg. Amino Acids: Alanine Arginine Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine, Tyrosine Valine, Cystine Glutamic AcidGlycine Histidine, Phenylalanine Proline Serine Threonine. They do not show any reputable research to verify their claim. However these items will probably help. What is interesting is that all these items may help repair oxidative stress. source not provided

3. "About 50 to 70% of people are sensitive to the plant oil urushiol contained in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Similar oils are also present in the shells of cashew nuts; the leaves, sap, and fruit skin of the mango; and Japanese lacquer. Once a person has been sensitized by contact with these oils, subsequent exposure produces a contact dermatitis." http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch203/ch203c.html   This report makes one wonder if poison ivy is sometimes ignored when treating dermatitis.  Poison ivy is known to reappear to prior victums who do not re-touch poison ivy again but may be exposed to it by air.

4. "This site lists some herbs they claim helps but do not offer any scientific research.   http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/leg_ulcers.htm - Note

5. Occasionaly we will include information about unproven items such as this claimed cure. "Step 1. Wash effected area with an antibacterial soap very gently. Step 2 Mix 1 Tablespoon of Powdered Activated Charcoal with 1 teaspoon of corn starch powder and enough Colloidal Silver or clean water to make a smooth, spreading paste. Step 3 Place paste on a clean cotton cloth or paper towel and fold over into a neat packet that will fit nicely over the leg ulcer. Tape down with a couple of pieces of an easy to remove tape. Step 4 Wrap entire area with a piece of plastic wrap and tape closed." http://www.ehow.com/how_2333533_heal-leg-ulcer.html When we include information such as this we do so when in our opinion it meets sound scientific reasoning. In this proclaimed cure we make no endorsement. We do see that washing and colloidal silver have lots of research indicating it is sound advice, as to the charcoal and corn starch we do not have substantuating research. Note

6. "Calendula, also known as marigold, has been widely used on the skin to treat minor wounds, skin infections, burns, bee stings, sunburn, warts, and cancer. Most scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness as a wound-healing agent is based on animal and laboratory study, while human research is virtually lacking. One study in breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy suggests that calendula ointment may be helpful in preventing skin dermatitis (irritation, redness, and pain)." Source - Note