I dealt with that situation for almost 3 years ... the biggest part of the problem was that needing to be up and around during the day created pressure on the skin as the fluid built up on the legs.

I bathed the area regularly with baking soda and warm water while keeping the area wrapped so the gauze pads could soak up the seeping fluid. I didn't do any scraping. Anything that sloughed off on it's own did so when I was bathing the area.

One thing I discovered I was doing was often not bending my knees and ankles when I walked. That action helps to keep circulation going and acts as a pump to move the fluid back up through the system. Once my attention was drawn to it, I was actually surprised how often I would catch myself keeping moving to a minimum with that leg. It was like I was instinctively favouring it when I should have been making it do its job.

I started and still regularly have cups of warm water with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, both of which are a natural diuretic.

It was a long haul but I eventually woke one morning to discovered that what had been gradually decreasing had indeed healed over. Since then I make sure the area is not allowed to get dry skin which could crack open. I use a cream called "Udderly Smooth" which I have found to be the most effective.

Being a redhead, I have to be super careful of anything that goes on my skin.

It's a miserable time going through that. Wouldn't wish it on anyone.

ShadowsPub
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