Non healing wound, ulcer, injuries, management, unusual causes, infections, medications causing ulcers, anticoagulants, heparin, warfarin, Dr Alexander, plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgery, cochin, India+

Quite often we are unable to find the exact cause of the non healing wound. There are some infections that cause wounds or ulcers primarily. Yaws is a disease caused by a bacterium called a spirochete (a spiral-shaped type of bacteria). The bacterium is scientifically referred to as Treponema pertenue which can result in an ulcer.

 Mucormycosis is a disease caused by a fungus that can result in sinuses, abscesses and ulceration. Cutaneous anthrax (affecting the skin) is a disease caused by germ (bacillus) called Bacillus anthracis that can cause a skin wound. Actinomycosis is a disease caused by a germ (anaerobic bacteria) in individuals who have lowered immunity and results in sinuses and skin ulcers. Each of these diseases has investigations that will help to confirm the diagnosis.

Sometimes the ulcer or wound may be the manifestation of an undetected disease in the human body. Pyoderma gangrenosum, a condition, which starts like a small swelling and then ends up as an ulcer often reveals underlying diseases like hepatitis, myeloma, systemic lupus erythematosis and others. There are other rare causes of wounds which like necrobiosis lipiodica, calciphylaxis, sickle cell ulcers etc. 

Uncommonly medications can cause an ulcer or wound. Well, we rarely think of such a possibility. However anticoagulants like heparin or warfarin which are medications that reduce the blood coagulation ability (clotting) can induce skin necrosis (areas of skin destruction) that can end up as wounds.