Leg ulcers

Question 1

define leg ulcer

Answer 1

open lesion between the knee and ankle joint that remains unhealed for at least 4 weeks

Question 2

four types of leg ulcers

Answer 2

venous
arterial
RA
diabetic

Question 3

random causes of leg ulcers

Answer 3

• necrobiosis lipoidica (diabetes)

- pyoderma gangrenosum (inflammatory pustules that become ulcers)

Question 4

presentation of leg ulcers

Answer 4

• pain
• leakage
• smell
• infection
• slough
• lipodermatosclerosis

Question 5

what can leg ulcers be confused with?

Answer 5

vasculitis

Question 6

diagnosis of leg ulcer

Answer 6

position of ulcer (medial and lateral malleoli)
ABPI
swab if signs of infection
bloods
patch testing for venous eczema

Question 7

management of leg ulcer

Answer 7

• control pain
• clean with warm water and soap substitute
• non-adherent dressing
• de-sloughing agent e.g. hydrogel/honey
• leg elevation and stockings
• 4 layer compression bandaging

Question 8

ways to remove devitalised tissue

Answer 8

• autolytic: dressing of hydrogel/honey
• sharps
• biological e.g. larvae therapy (maggots)