Leg Ulcers Flashcards
what are arterial ulcers due to
peripheral arterial disease
- poor blood supply prevents wounds from healing
where are arterial ulcers usually found
heel + toes
features of an arterial ulcer
punched out edge, sloughy, deep
PAINFUL
poor peripheral pulses
what is a normal ABPI
> 0.9
what ABPI value indicates arterial disease
<0.9
when might the pain associated with arterial ulcers be worst
on leg elevation
at night
management of arterial ulcer
manage arterial disease
- smoking cessation, control HTN/Diabetes, weight loss
- statin + clopidogrel
- angioplasty / bypass graft
wound care
- debridement
- cleaning
- abx where infected
what causes a venous ulcer
pooling of blood + waste products in the skin secondary to venous insufficiency
where are venous ulcers usually found
“gaiter area” - malleoli to mid calf
skin changes associated with venous ulcers
lipodermatosclerosis
venous eczema
hyperpigmentation
are venous ulcers painful?
no, often cause very little pain
treatment of a venous ulcer
4 layer compression bandaging
management of venous insufficiency
