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Hello
Student question here:
I was on the tube today and I saw a man with his legs crossed sitting across from me. Every 5 mins he would lift his trouser leg to reveal an unlcer (1inch x 1inch)about an inch above his oedematous ankles, and it looked like there may have been a halo of cellulitis around it. He kept touching it and wiping exudate on his coat.
He didn't look very well kept and may have been in his 70s.

The thing I am wondering is; when do you say something to someone?
Maybe he was on his way to his GP and being looked after. But equally, he looked in not the best shape, did he know the trouble that can come from cellulitis? I know lots of older people who will put off visits to the dr at all costs, as is the way with some folks.

I never did anything, but I wanted to. I would have liked to ask if he was having it looked at, and to gauge whether he felt it was iportant.

Can any expeienced pods advise on the best course of action to take when you see something like that? Anyone had similar experiences?

 

The art of starting a non judgmental non threatening conversation.
State your observation in a positive way. [I see you are nursing an ulcer on your leg]
Explain your interest. [I am a student studying about such things.
Invite a conversation. [would you like to talk about it?]
If the answer is no at least you will feel good about trying. but you will probably get more than you bargained for.