Leg Ulcers Flashcards
define a leg ulcer
this is an open lesion between the knee and ankle joint that remains unhealed for at least 4 weeks
four types of leg ulcers
venous
arterial
RA
diabetic
where are venous ulcers found?
lateral and medial malleolus
where are arterial ulcers found?
foot and mid-shin
presentation of diabetic ulcers
necrobiosis lipoidica
what is a rare condition that can become ulcers?
pyoderma gangrenosum (inflammatory pustules)
presentation
pain leakage smell infection slough
diagnosis
ABPI swab if infection bloods patch testing (venous eczema) duplex scan
management
pain control clean using warm water and soap non-adherent dressing de-sloughing agent e.g. hydrogel/honey 4-layer compression bandaging leg elevation
4-layer compression bandaging
40mmHg at ankle and 25mmHg at knee to facilitate blood flow to the heart (cone shape)
change weekly
estimated healing time
12 weeks
ways to remove devitalised tissue
autolytic
sharps with scalpel or scissors
biological
autolytic debridement
use of dressing to create moist wound environment and hydrate necrotic tissue e.g. hydrogel/honey
biological debridement
larvae therapy- maggots
