Venous ulcers usually form below the knee and on the inner area of the ankle.
Venous ulcers
- inflammation.
- swelling.
- aching.
- itchy, hardened skin.
- scabbing or flaking.
- brown or black stained skin.
- discharge.
What is a characteristic of a venous stasis ulcer?
Venous stasis ulcers are often on the ankle or calf and are painful and red. A yellow, fibrous tissue may cover the ulcer and have an irregular border. Drainage and discharge are common with venous stasis ulcers. This type of ulcer is common in people who have varicose veins or a history of leg swelling.
Which of the following are typical characteristics of venous stasis wounds?
Venous stasis commonly presents as a dull ache or pain in the lower extremities, swelling that subsides with elevation, eczematous changes of the surrounding skin, and varicose veins. Venous ulcers often occur over bony prominences, particularly the gaiter area (over the medial malleolus).
How do you tell if an ulcer is venous or arterial?
Venous ulcers most commonly occur above the medial or lateral malleoli. Arterial ulcers often affect the toes or shin or occur over pressure points. Neuropathic ulcers tend to occur on the sole of the foot or over pressure points.
What is the shape of a venous ulcer?
A venous ulcer is typically shallow with irregular sloping edges whereas an arterial ulcer can be deep and has a ‘punched out’ appearance. Venous ulcers are typically ‘wet’ with a moderate to heavy exudate, whereas arterial ulcers are typically ‘dry’ and scabbed.
Are venous ulcers wet or dry?
The wound is often wet or weeping, and may have a yellow-white film over it. The skin around the wound is often discolored and swollen, and may feel warm.
What are the signs and symptoms of venous stasis?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Symptoms
- Dull aching, cramping or heavy feeling in the legs.
- Leg swelling.
- Pain that worsens when you stand and improves when you put your legs up.
- Tingling sensation in the legs.
- Visible varicose veins on the surface.
Which is the most commonly identified lower leg ulcer?
The most common type of leg ulcer is a venous leg ulcer. It is caused by persistently high pressure in the veins of the legs, which can be due to diseases of the veins, a blood clot or when varicose veins have damaged the skin.
What’s the difference between venous and arterial leg ulcers?
They often form on the lower extremities, such as the legs and feet. Arterial ulcers develop as the result of damage to the arteries due to lack of blood flow to tissue. Venous ulcers develop from damage to the veins caused by an insufficient return of blood back to the heart.
What is the most common complication of venous stasis?
Untreated venous insufficiency results not only in a gradual loss of cosmesis but also in variety of complications, the major ones being persistent pain and discomfort, hemorrhage, superficial thrombophlebitis, and progressive skin changes that may ultimately lead to ulceration.
What is the most common site for venous ulcers?
Venous ulcers most often form around the ankles. Venous ulcers typically occur because of damage to the valves inside the leg veins. These valves control the blood pressure inside the veins. They allow it to drop when you walk.
How do you assess a venous leg ulcer?
Venous ulcers are usually shallow with gently sloping, irregular edges. Check for any undermining, rolled or raised edges as this may indicate a possible malignancy (Marjolin’s Ulceration) and a biopsy should be taken for histological examination (Young 2020). Record details about the ulcer, such as the size and depth.
How should I assess a person with a suspected venous leg ulcer?
How should I assess a person with a suspected venous leg ulcer?
- Take a history. Ask about: The duration of the ulcer.
- Examine the person. Assess the ulcer.
- Arrange investigations. Arrange a Doppler assessment of both legs to determine the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) to exclude arterial insufficiency.
Are venous ulcers deep and circular?
Venous ulcers rarely have a uniform, completely circular appearance. Instead, they are usually irregular, with varying depths within the ulcer. Although they may start out small, venous ulcers can grow significantly in size, especially if left untreated.
How do you describe a leg ulcer?
A leg ulcer is a long-lasting (chronic) sore that takes more than 4 to 6 weeks to heal. They usually develop on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle. The symptoms of a venous leg ulcer include pain, itching and swelling in the affected leg.
Are venous ulcers full thickness?
According to the revised CEAP classification published in 2004, a venous ulcer is defined as: full-thickness defect of the skin, most frequently in the ankle region, that fails to heal spontaneously and is sustained by chronic venous disease (grade: low-very low, clinical observational studies and expert opinion).
What dressing to use on a venous ulcer?
Silver‐impregnated dressings are used to treat infected wounds, as silver ions are thought to have antimicrobial properties. Silver versions of most dressing types are available, including silver impregnated dressings (e.g. silver hydrocolloid etc).
What cream can I put on a leg ulcer?
The most frequently used topical antimicrobials in wound care practice are chlorhexidine, iodine, silver containing products, mupriocin and fucidic acid.
Should I put cream on a leg ulcer?
Keep the skin of your lower legs clean and well moisturized. Choose a cream/lotion that does not contain alcohol which may cause further drying and cracking of the skin. Do not apply lotions/creams to any areas of active ulcers unless prescribed. Avoid any injury to the skin tissues.
What is the best treatment for venous stasis?
Treatments
- Wear compression stockings. They ease swelling and improve blood flow.
- Keep your feet elevated above your heart. When you can, do it for 15 minutes every 2 hours and while you sleep.
- Don’t stand still for too long. Walk around often.
What does lack of blood flow in legs look like?
Your skin might also appear pale or blue because of a lack of blood flow. These are all signs that the blood isn’t moving correctly throughout your body.