Skin Ulceration

Question 1

Define

Answer 1

A sore on the skin accompanied by the disintegration of tissue

Question 2

Types

Answer 2

Venous
Arterial
Neuropathic
Infective
Traumatic
Vasculitic

Question 3

Pathophysiology (Wagners Ulcer grading)

Answer 3

Wagner’s ulcer grading:

1: Superficial
2: Ulcer deeper to subcutaneous tissue exposing soft tissue or bone
3: Abscess formation underneath
4: Gangrene of part of tissues, limb or foot
5: Gangrene of entire area or foot

Question 4

Aetiology

Answer 4

Various causative factors.
Mainly impaired blood circulation, particularly in chronic wounds, such as in bed sores.
Other causes include bacterial/viral infection and possibly cancers.
Venous leg ulcers: Due to impaired circulation or a blood flow disorder.

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Open painful craters, often round, with layers of skin eroded.
Surrounding tissue swollen and tender.
Heals very slowly (healing in 12 weeks is considered acute).
Discharge can also be present.
Serous discharge suggests healing, purulent that it is infected.

Question 6

Epidemiology

Answer 6

More common in elderly

Question 7

Diagnostic tests

Answer 7

Culture of discharge

Edge biopsy

Question 8

Treatment

Answer 8

Typically to avoid infection, remove and discharge and ease pain

Question 9

Treatment of leg ulcers

Answer 9

Compression stockings

Question 10

Complication

Answer 10

Infection