In older people with poor circulation or Varicose veins, even a tiny crack or injury to the skin can be slow to heal; without a good supply of fresh blood to bring in infection-fighting white blood cells or take away toxins the injury site may become ulcerated and take months to heal; a typical varicose ulcer has a pale, weeping centre a red, itchy surround, and brown mottling around that; commonest site is on legs, just above ankles. Routinely treated by applying antiseptic dressings to prevent infection, and support bandaging to speed up blood flow; in severe cases, GP may recommend hospitalisation, and vein surgery or a Skin graft may be necessary. The remedies given below promote healing, but if there is no improvement within 14 days, see your homeopath.

Specific remedies to be taken 4 times daily for up to 14 days

General remedy for varicose ulcers Hamamelis 6c

Ulcers bleed easily and cause splinter-like pains Nitric ac. 6c

Ulcers burn, especially between midnight and 2 am, but are less painful when heat is applied Arsenicum 6c

Skin around ulcers bluish-purple Lachesis 6c

Ulcers which are slow to form and equally slow to heal, with chronic mild infection Silicea 6c

Early stages, before ulcer forms, when skin is hot red, and throbbing Belladonna 30c

Edges of ulcers clear-cut, as if made with a hole punch, white discharge Kali Bichrom. 6c

Ulcers oozing unpleasant-smelling pus and serum Mercurius 6c

Ulcers form reddish scabs with pus beneath Mezereum 6c

Ulcers bleed easily Phosphorus 6c

Varicose ulcers in an elderly person Cargo Veg. 6c

Ulcers at site of injury Arnica 6c