What is the most common type of leg ulcer?

A venous leg ulcer is the most common type of leg ulcer, accounting for over 90% of all cases. Venous leg ulcers can develop after a minor injury, where persistently high pressure in the veins of the legs has damaged the skin.

What is the difference between a venous leg ulcer and an arterial leg ulcer?

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. Unlike other ulcers, these leg wounds can take months to heal, if they heal at all.

What does an early stage leg ulcer look like?

aching or swelling in your legs. red, flaky, scaly and itchy skin on your legs (varicose eczema) swollen and enlarged veins on your legs (varicose veins) an unpleasant and foul-smelling discharge from the ulcer.

What causes skin ulcers on legs?

A venous leg ulcer can develop after a minor injury if there’s a problem with the circulation of blood in your leg veins. If this happens, pressure inside the veins increases. This constant high pressure can gradually damage the tiny blood vessels in your skin and make it fragile.

What is the latest treatment for leg ulcers?

Topical oxygen therapy (TOT) is an innovative technology in the management of resistant-to-healing venous leg ulcers. TOT is applied directly to the wound and does not require a full-body compression chamber.

What ointment is good for leg ulcers?

The most frequently used topical antimicrobials in wound care practice are chlorhexidine, iodine, silver containing products, mupriocin and fucidic acid.

Can leg ulcers turn cancerous?

All forms of chronic leg ulcer have a risk of undergoing malignant transformation and squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type. Known as Marjolin’s ulcers, they have a high metastatic potential and their prognosis is poor if they are not detected at an early stage.

Are leg ulcers serious?

“Never ignore a venous leg ulcer,” says wound care specialist Jocelyn Ehren, CNP. “While the majority of vein illness symptoms are temporary and easily treated, venous leg ulcers are more severe and, when left untreated, can negatively affect your health.”

What causes leg ulcers not to heal?

Antibiotics may also be used if the ulcer becomes infected, but they do not help ulcers heal. But unless the underlying cause of the ulcer is addressed, there’s a high risk of a venous leg ulcer coming back after treatment. Underlying causes could include immobility, obesity, previous DVT or varicose veins.

How do you tell if it’s venous or arterial?

Arterial blood is a bright-red color as the hemoglobin present in it has received plenty of oxygen. In contrast, hemoglobin in the venous blood has lost a lot of oxygen, so venous blood is dark-red, almost blackish in colour. Good health and ill-health can also alter these colours slightly.

How do you distinguish between arterial and venous insufficiency?

Although arterial and venous insufficiency share many of the same characteristics and symptoms, the two conditions are actually quite different. Venous insufficiency refers to a breakdown in the flow of blood in our veins, while arterial insufficiency stems from poor circulation in the arteries.

What is the most distinguishing characteristics of a arterial ulcers?

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 are the two types of leg ulcers?

There are two main types of leg ulceration: venous and arterial. Because of their underlying pathology, each requires different management approaches.

What is the best treatment for venous insufficiency?

Treatment may include:
  • Improving blood flow in your leg veins. Keeping your legs raised (elevated) can reduce swelling and help increase blood flow. …
  • Medicines. …
  • Endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). …
  • Sclerotherapy. …
  • Surgery.

What does an arterial leg ulcer look like?

Arterial ulcers have a distinct “punched out” appearance and are typically circular with a red, yellow, or black coloration. They are usually extremely painful. Venous ulcers are often painless unless they are infected.

Which leg is your main artery in?

The femoral artery is the major blood vessel supplying blood to your legs. It’s in your upper thigh, right near your groin. The artery is a common access point for minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures because of its large diameter.

How can I increase blood circulation in my legs?

Six Tips for Improving Blood Circulation in Legs
  1. Walking. Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that can help you create a more active and healthy lifestyle and may promote weight loss. …
  2. Stretching. …
  3. Position Your Body. …
  4. Wear Compression Stockings. …
  5. Stop Smoking. …
  6. Manage Your Stress Levels.