Leg ulcers Flashcards
What is a leg ulcer?
Any break in the skin of the lower leg above the ankle present more than 4 weeks
What is a normal ankle-brachial pressure index (APBI)?
0.8 - 1.3
What reading on ABPI would indicate vascular disease?
<0.8
What investigation can be used to differentiate between an aterial and a venous ulcer?
ABPI
When should a swab of an ulcer be done?
Only if ulcer increasingly painful/exudative/smelly/
enlarging
How are venous leg ulcers treated?
Non-adherent dressing
De-sloughing agent if necessary e.g. hydrogel/ honey
4 layer compression bandaging
Leg elevation
Using a four-layer compression bandaging system, how long is the aim to heal ulcers by?
12 weeks
What pressue is the leg kept at using a four layer compression bandage?
40mmHg at the ankle
25 mmHg below the knee
What is given to patients to prevent recurrence of leg ulcers following treatment?
Compression stockings
What are the characteristics of an arterial ulcer?
Very sharp, cliff-like edges, and can be described as being “punched out”
What is the term to describe woody tethered skin
affecting the lower leg?
Lipodermatosclerosis
What is slough?
Skin debris and dead bacteria
Where do venous ulcers usually develop?
Around the malleoli
What are the edges of venous ulcers like?
Shallow ‘like a beach’
Where do diabetic and arterial ulcers usually present?
On the feet, especially around pressure sites such as the heel, or where shoes rub due to neuropathy
