$Unique_ID{BRK01591}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Zinc Paste for Treatment of Leg Ulcers}
$Subject{ulcer skin treatment aging}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Zinc Paste for Treatment of Leg Ulcers


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QUESTION:  My father has been in a nursing home for several years now.  At 89
his condition is not very good and he has ulcers on his legs which are very
difficult to treat.  A new doctor at the home has suggested using a paste made
from zinc as a first step in treating the problem, but we fear it is just
another easy way out, and so we need advice.  Do you know anything about this,
and if so what do you think about it?

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ANSWER:  Chronic ulcers of the leg in the elderly are a most difficult
situation.  When they have advanced a bit, the only solution is to clear the
wound of all old or contaminated tissues, before proceeding with a skin graft
to cover the area.  But the process of cleaning away this tissue (called
debridement) is difficult and painful, and may often require a surgical
procedure.  In the older patient this poses the risks of anesthesia, plus the
cost and inconvenience of a hospital stay.
     I found the answer to your question in a recent article in the Journal of
Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology I found a report of the use of zinc chloride
paste as a relatively painless method of debriding such wounds as a first step
in treating chronic leg ulcers.  The paste is easy to apply, but may cause
some stinging and burning 2-3 hours after application.  This sensation
disappears after 24-48 hours.  The paste fixes to the tissue, and then sloughs
away in from 5-7 days, either by itself or after a whirlpool treatment or two.
It leaves behind a clean ulcer, that may either heal by itself, or be suitable
for grafting procedures.  There are certain precautions that should be taken
concerning the thickness and application of the paste, but the method provides
a bloodless, non-invasive method of treating these disturbing ulcers, that may
be performed in the nursing home.  It looks as if your new young doctor has
come up with something quite valuable and is not looking for an easy way out
at all.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
