Leg Ulcers Flashcards
Define a leg ulcer.
any break in the skin of the lower leg above the ankle present more than 4 weeks
When assessing the ulcer, what details must you remember to note?
position of ulcer
measure surface area
What investigation is used to differentiate venous from arterial and mixed ulcers?
ABPI
What is the treatment for a venous leg ulcer?
Control pain
ABPI
Non-adherent dressing
De-sloughing agent if necessary eg hydrogel/ honey
4 layer compression bandaging – may need to increase compression gradually if pain a problem
Leg elevation
When should you aim to heal ulcer by?
12 weeks
What is a normal ABPI?
between 0.9 and 1.2
Where do venous ulcers normally develop?
around the malleoli
Where do diabetic and arterial ulcers develop?
often present on the feet, especially around pressure sites such as the heel, or where shoes rub due to neuropathy.
What can skin cancer present as?
a non healing ulcer on lower leg
