Skin ulcers Flashcards
where do venous ulcers occur
lower part of lower leg (not on foot)
who get venous ulcers
elderly
venous ulcers associated with
oedema
venous eczema
haemosiderin deposition
varicose veins
pathogenesis of venous ulcers
incompetent valves cause congestion and poor drainage. unable to support metabolism of dermis. extra pressure from pooled blood causes poor oxygenation. epidermis dies and is is sloughed off leaving ulcer
treatment of venous ulcers
high compression bandaging and leg elevation
opiates (can be v painful)
skin graft
support stockings (lifelong)
how to differentiate between venous and arterial ulcer
doppler
what do arterial ulcers look like
punched out, painful
which are more painful, venous or arterial?
arterial
where do venous ulcers occur
lower part of lower leg + foot
clinical features of arterial ulcers
PVD (claudication, 5Ps)
PVD risk factors
rx of arterial ulcer
keep clean and covered
analgesia
vascular reconstruction if appropriate
NO COMPRESSION BANDAGING!!
what are neuropathic ulcers?
ulcers due to peripheral neuropathy
occur over pressure areas of feet
factors affecting healing
oxygenation age diabetes obesity alcohol smoking nutrition
