39/40: Ulcerations - Bennett Flashcards
define skin ulcer
A wound with complete loss of the epidermal layer of skin with extension into the dermis and possibly the subcutaneous tissues
most common single precursor to lower extremity amputations among persons with diabetes
foot ulcerations
big three complications of diabetes
- blindness
- kidney failure
- foot and leg amputation
“intrinsic minus foot”
foot deformity in diabetes due to motor neuropathy
- hammertoes
- bunions
- prominent met heads
- ankle equinus
- instability
- charcot
why is diabetic skin dehydrated?
- autonomic neuropathy
- put at greater risk for skin breakdown
describe diabetic demopathy
- xerotic, non-supple dkin
- fissuring, calluses
- more susceptible to infections
describe diabetic nails
- nails thickened, brittle
- ingrown nails (can be initial event to toe amputation)
Recommended visits for Diabetic patients based on neuropathy level
none = annual (0)
neuropathy = semi-annual (1)
neuropahty, PVD and/or deformity = quarterly (2)
previous ulcer or amputation (3) = monthly to quarterly
why no lotion b/w toes?
- if excess, can cause breakdown of the skin
- can use if rub in properly
what do you need to tell your patient about topical nail medication?
- file nail weekly and apply daily
- take off weekly with nail polish remover
- works on new nail growth
- may take 9 month to see effect
what should you not use for corns/calluses
- sharp blade removal (use pumice stone)
- medicated corn pads (acid)
what time of the day should you get shoes?
evening
- swell throughout the day
what do you need to describe about an ulcer?
- location
- size and depth *
- margins
- base
- undermining (skin is healing over top, but not attached, ‘lip’)
- sinus tracts
- probing to bone
- erythema, edema, malodor, purulence, ascending lymphangitis
fibrotic base, crusting around wound, maceration, erythema around wound
venous stasis wound
Wagner ulcer classification **
Grade 0: pre-ulcerative lesion
Grade 1: superficial without subcutaneous involvement
Grade 2: penetration through subcutaneous tissue (may expose bone, tendon, ligament, joint capsule) *** may probe to bone but no infection
Grade 3: Osteitis, abscess, or osteomyelitis *** underlying infection
Grade 4: Gangrene of forefoot
Grade 5: Gangrene of entire foot