Venous ulcers Flashcards
1
Q
Location of venous ulcers
A
Typically above the medial malleolus
2
Q
Venous skin changes
A
Hyperpigmentation
Venous eczema
Lipodermatosclerosis
3
Q
Features of venous ulcers
A
Larger than arterial ulcers
More superficial than arterial ulcers
Irregular, gently sloping border
More likely to bleed
Less painful than arterial ulcers
4
Q
Pain in venous ulcers
A
Relieved by elevation and worse on lowering the leg
5
Q
Investigations
A
ABPI especially in non-healing ulcers to assess for poor arterial flow which could impair healing
6
Q
Conservative management
A
Compression bandaging, usually four layers (only treatment shown to be of real benefit)
7
Q
Medical management to improve healing rate
A
Oral pentoxifylline (peripheral vasodilator)
