Ulcers (Bacterial Skin infection)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

Most common types of ulcers include: venous, arterial, mixed (venous + arterial), diabetic foot, pressure, and autoimmune (e.g., R-Arthritis).

When not treated can become infected.

Venous mainly occur on the leg. Sustained HTN causes it.

Arterial due to lack of blood supply to artery venous lack to veins. Both lead to damaged vessels.

Question 2

Signs and symptoms / Diagnosis

Answer 2

All symptoms and diagnosis similar

Venous leg ulcer
History taking, examination (oedema, varicose veins, venous skin changes, and reduced ankle mobility), risk factors identification.

Arterial ulcer
red, yellow, or black sores
deep wound
tight, hairless skin
leg pain at night
no bleeding
affected area is cool or cold to touch from minimal blood circulation
leg reddens when dangled and turns pale when elevated

Question 3

Treatment

Answer 3

Venous ulcer: can be managed by:
- compression,
- antibiotics if systemic infection is suspected OR iodine or silver dressings if local infection is suspected.

Arterial ulcer: can be managed by
- pain management,
- smoking cessation,
- antibiotics (specific to organism) and
- nutritional support.

Pressure ulcer can be managed by: - appropriate bedding or seating,
- repositioning,
- normal saline wound irrigation, - debridement,
- local anti-infective agent
- impregnated dressing or surgical reconstruction.