Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
C
CidellaMendivil Asked September 2021

How to treat leaking edema wound?

My client has edema swelling in the foot and calve. I noticed there was a wound on her calve which was leaking edema fluid, is this worthy of a doctors visit?
Also how do I properly care for the wound, what type of bandages if any, creams etc. should I continue to keep on compression socks?

Albigensian Sep 2021
A physician will try to determine the root cause, as there are several conditions that can cause a weeping edema. If a cause can be discovered the next steps would be to remediate the cause (if possible) and, until/unless the weeping can be stopped to protect the patient's skin.

These fluids tends to break down the skin, which can lead to ulcerating sores and life-threatening infections/sepsis. This is a serious condition that should not be left untreated.

In the meantime, try to place absorbent bandages to absorb the fluid and change them frequently. If you have nothing else, you may be able to re-purpose diaper-doublers (e.g., Abri-Let) or even cut-up disposable diapers). Wrap gauze around these to keep them in place, and tape securely. Do NOT scrub the area to clean it as this can cause skin abrasions; in general, pat the area dry and do not scrub or wipe it.

Compression sox may reduce the weeping, if tolerated. Keeping the feet elevated also helps reduce the weeping.

ThomasY Sep 2021
My mother had this problem from being on amlodipine for blood pressure. I noticed her shoe was wet from a clear fluid coming from her calf. Her doctor had her go to wound care.
They cleaned her up and gave her a prescription for a saline would cleaner and a lot of guaze and pads. I cleaned her legs every morning, put on 20-30 compression socks and at the end of the day, I removed the socks and cleaned her legs again with the saline wound care spray.
I am having her move around more often too.
I took her back for her follow up appointment and the leaking stopped. They told her she will probably have to wear compression socks from now on.
I was moisturizing her legs before this happened and they told me to stop it.
She has an appoinment for PT, but they are so backed up. I am making he keep her feet above her heat for 30 minutes twice per day as instructed.
If they took her off the amlodipine, the problem would go away, but amlodipine keeps her BP down better than anything.

ADVERTISEMENT


ThomasY Sep 2021
My mother had this problem from being on amlodapine for blood pressure. I notice her shoe was wet from a clear fluid coming from her calf. Her doctor had her go to wound care.
They cleaned her up and gave her a prescripeion for a saline would cleaner and a lot of guaze and pads. I cleaned her legs every morning, put on 20-30 compression socks and at the end of the day, I removed the socks and cleaned her legs again with the saline wound care spray.
I took her back for her follow up appointment and the leaking stopped. They told her she will probably have to wear compression socks from now on.
She has an appoinment for PT, but they are so backed up.

Cover99 Sep 2021
Any update?

Bridger46146 Sep 2021
only let a wound care nurse do her leg wraps. if the doctor recommends pressure stockings have them properly fitted and purchase two pairs so they that are kept clean at all times. i have mild lymphedema on both legs and my left upper arm. i have a compression arm sleeve for that. her doctor can write a prescription for the stockings, and medicare will pay. most hospital/home health stores have a fitter and can bill medicare. I have appointment every 3 months to have mine checked. I go to the doctor immediately if i have any leaking. My PCP referred me to a vascular specialist and that is who I see every three months.

GardenArtist Sep 2021
What you're describing could be lymphedema, a volatile and dangerous situation that could escalate quickly.   If your client hasn't seen a doctor yet, call EMS; they can wrap his foot and calf properly while taking him to a hospital, assuming there are some that are still able to treat nonCovid patients as it seems the unvaccinated are filling the wards quickly.

My aunt died of this condition; she was experiencing weeping wounds from her legs.  Home care wrapped her legs to the point that she looked like a hockey player, and it did help control the weeping, but apparently the wounds became infected, the infection surged through her body and she died the same night that she was admitted to the hospital.

This is a dangerous situation; kudos to you for reaching out for help for your client.

EmotionallyNumb Sep 2021
Doctor immediately.

Grandma1954 Sep 2021
This should see medical attention ASAP.
The wounds can become infected.
the skin can breakdown more.
If you are working for an agency this should be reported. If working for the client privately is there someone that is POA if the client needs a POA?
If not then tell the client that you are concerned and for her health and safety she needs to contact her doctor. If the doctor does not want to see her right away I would take a trip to the Urgent Care. they may tell you there that this is something that should be taken care of in the ER.

Atwitsend4 Sep 2021
Definitely see a doctor. My mother had "weeping wounds" on one of her legs and was prescribed a salve called "MediHoney" which was applied to the wound and then covered with a piece of gauze. After a while, the wounds healed. That's when I started her with compression socks/wraps. The soles of her feet were oozing, also, which caused infections on both feet. She was prescribed an Erythromycin gel for that and after several weeks of treatment by county nurses and me, it cleared up and hasn't been back.

Maple3044 Sep 2021
Yes!! Get her to the doctor as soon as possible. My husband ended up in wound care for 2 1/2 years with leaking edema wounds on his right leg. It was so bad that he had NO skin left on his foot from mid arch to his toes.
I ended up learning how to do a 4 layer compression wrap, as I had to change the dressings on the 4 days a week he didn't go to wound care.
Also, elevate the foot of you client's bed 4 to 6 inches. That was what finally turned the corner for my husband. Good luck.

JoAnn29 Sep 2021
Yes a doctors visit is in order. Only a nurse should do woundcare. The Dr. can set up in home care. The Nurse may show you what to do when she is not there.

97yroldmom Sep 2021
She could get cellulitis. She needs to see her doctor.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter