Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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Feature | Venous Ulcers | Arterial Ulcers |
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Location | Usually found in the gaiter area (medial lower leg, above the ankle) | Typically on the toes, foot, or lateral malleolus |
Appearance | Shallow, irregular borders, exudative, surrounded by edema and hyperpigmentation | Punched-out appearance, deep, dry with necrotic tissue, well-defined borders |
Pain | Minimal pain, often relieved by leg elevation | Severe pain, worse with elevation and at night |
Skin Changes | Thickened, brownish pigmentation, stasis dermatitis | Cool, pale, or shiny skin; loss of hair, dependent rubor |
Pulses | Normal pulses, but may be difficult to palpate due to edema | Reduced or absent pulses in the affected limb |
Associated Conditions | Chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins | Atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease |
Management |
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Lower limb ulcers can result from various underlying pathologies. Identifying the type of ulcer is crucial for proper management, as treatments for venous, arterial, diabetic, and pressure ulcers differ significantly. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.