Til Schweiger: Fight against the open leg and slow healing

Til Schweiger: Fight against the open leg and slow healing

The condition of an open leg in Til Schweiger: A look into the disease and its treatment methods

In 2023, Til Schweiger, the well-known German actor and director, made headlines not only because of his film activities, but also because of a health problem. The actor had a wound on his leg that became infected and led to serious blood poisoning. His doctor Dr. Miriam Rehbein explained the diagnosis to “Bild”: a so-called “open leg”. But what exactly does this medical term mean?

Leg ulcer, medically known as leg ulcer, is a serious condition that usually occurs in the inner ankle of the foot. This type of wound is often the result of chronic venous insufficiency. The blood can no longer flow effectively back to the heart, which leads to blood congestion. This stagnation of blood causes the calf and ankle region to swell, the skin to become tight and painful.

Causes and symptoms

The blood congestion affects the small blood vessels, meaning the tissue does not receive enough oxygen, nutrients and cells to heal wounds. In addition, the skin's immune defenses are weakened, which can lead to tissue death. This explains why, as damage progresses, a wound eventually becomes visible. The typical warning signs of such a disease include painful swelling and changes in skin color.

Treating an open leg typically requires several measures. First, bandages or medical compression stockings are used to compress the legs and improve blood flow in the veins. In addition, regular exercise plays a crucial role as it promotes blood circulation and thus supports healing.

Treatment options

In addition to compression therapy, other therapy options are available. These include lymphatic drainage and the surgical removal of diseased veins. Various compression procedures can also help relieve symptoms. Painkillers and blood thinners are often prescribed to combat pain. Ointments containing zinc can significantly reduce the risk of wound enlargement.

However, healing of an open leg can take months to years. In rare cases, when the skin supply is severely compromised and new tissue does not grow back, surgery may be necessary. This often involves a skin transplant, in which tissue is taken from another part of the patient's body. A study has shown that 21 out of 100 patients heal faster after skin grafting than after traditional treatment.