Where are the most common locations of arterial ulcers?

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 do you describe a venous stasis ulcer?

A venous stasis ulcer is wound on the skin. It is due to a pooling of blood in the veins. These ulcers happen most often on the legs. If left untreated, the ulcers can lead infection and other serious problems.

Can venous stasis cause ulcers?

In venous insufficiency, the valves are damaged, and blood backs up and pools in the vein. Fluid may leak out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue. This can lead to a breakdown of the tissue and an ulcer.

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 is Gaiter region?

Abstract. Skin just proximal to the medial malleolus (‘gaiter’ zone) is the usual site for venous ulceration in later life, whereas shin and dorsum of the foot are generally unaffected.

What does venous ulcer look like?

Symptoms of Venous Ulcer Itchiness and tingling, red-colored skin. Signs of pooling blood, including dark red, purple, and brown spots with hardened skin. Skin surrounding the ulcers may be shiny, tight and warm, or hot to the touch. The borders of the ulcers may be unevenly shaped.

What are the first signs of a leg ulcer?

Symptoms of leg ulcers

  • open sores.
  • pus in the affected area.
  • pain in the affected area.
  • increasing wound size.
  • leg swelling.
  • enlarged veins.
  • generalized pain or heaviness in the legs.

What do venous ulcers look like?

Shallow sore with a red base, sometimes covered by yellow tissue. Unevenly shaped borders. Surrounding skin may be shiny, tight, warm or hot, and discolored.

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.

Where is the gaiter area?

Site & Appearance: Most venous ulcer occur in the “gaiter” area of the leg (i.e. area extending from just above the ankle to below the knee and tends to occur on both lateral and medial aspect of the leg), they are usually superficial with poorly defined margins.

Where is the gaiter zone?

Venous ulcers are typically situated below the knee and above the ankle (this area is known as the gaiter area) and around the inner and outer malleolus.

What do stasis ulcers look like?

Commonly located on the ankle or calf, venous stasis ulcers are painful and red in color but may be covered with a yellow, fibrous tissue and an irregular border. Drainage and discharge are possible with venous stasis ulcers. This type of ulcer is common in patients with a history of leg swelling or varicose veins.

What are the signs of venous stasis?

Spider veins and Varicose veins: Visible leg veins are signs of venous insufficiency.

  • Heaviness: A sense of weight and fatigue in your legs at the end of the day is another sign of venous insufficiency.
  • Cramping: calf cramps,known as charley horses,can be a sign of venous insufficiency.
  • Is venous stasis considered reversible?

    Not reversible. Generally venous stasis refers to the discoloration of the skin and other skin changes that are manifestations of long standing venous insufficiency. When these changes occur they are not reversible. However all is not lost.

    What is the best treatment for venous ulcers?

    If your ulcer is infected by bacteria, you’ll probably be given antibiotics to kill the infection. You might also be given a moist dressing to put over the ulcer to help it heal more quickly. In some cases, your doctor might recommend surgery to improve the circulation in your legs.

    Where are venous ulcers located?

    Venous ulcers happen when there’s a break in the skin on your leg, usually around the ankle. The veins in the leg, which should send blood back to the heart, might not be doing their job all that well. That’s often because the valves that stop the flow of blood back into the veins aren’t working like they should.