What is arterial ulceration?
Arterial wounds, also known as arterial ulcers, are painful injuries in your skin caused by poor circulation. Arterial ulcers typically happen when blood is unable to flow into the lower extremities, like the legs and feet.
What is the treatment for arterial ulcers?
Treatment of arterial ulcers may involve surgical intervention for angioplasty, stenting, bypass grafting and, ultimately, amputation. Pain control is an important aspect of the management of arterial ulcers. Adequate analgesia is required to manage the severe ischaemic pain often experienced with arterial ulcers.
Where are arterial wounds located?
Arterial ulcers often form on the outer side of the ankle, feet, heels, or toes. They can form in other areas, too. These ulcers are painful and have a “punched out” appearance.
How can you tell the difference between arterial and venous ulcers?
In venous disease, ulcers are usually located in the gaiter area between the ankle and the calf, often on the medial aspect of the leg. Arterial leg ulcers occur as a result of reduced arterial blood flow and subsequent tissue perfusion.
What does arterial ulcer look like?
Arterial ulcers are characterized by a punched-out look, usually round in shape, with well-defined, even wound margins. Arterial ulcers are often found between or on the tips of the toes, on the heels, on the outer ankle, or where there is pressure from walking or footwear.
What is the main cause of arterial ulcers?
What causes arterial ulcers? Arterial ulcers are caused by arterial insufficiency; that is, inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the tissues. Arterial insufficiency is caused by high blood pressure and narrowing of the arteries due to atherosclerosis.
Are arterial ulcers wet or dry?
Typically, the ulcer itself is small, round, and smooth, with a “punched out” appearance and well-defined borders. The wound may be shallow or deep. The wound base typically is pale, dry, necrotic, and without granulation tissue (see photograph of an arterial ulcer on the foot). You may see wet or dry gangrene.
How do you dress an arterial ulcer?
Occlusive dressings are broadly recommended for arterial ulcer wound management. This is mainly because chronic wounds that are left open have the potential to become heavily colonized and infected. Bacterial proliferation is substantially lower under occlusive dressings.
What does an arterial ulcer look like?