Wound Types
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer
- Arterial Ulcer
- Venous Ulcer
- Pressure Injuries or Ulcers
- Non-Healing Wounds
- Chronic venous insufficiency Ulcers
- Malignancy-related Ulcers
- Lymphedema-related Ulcers
- Surgical Wounds
- Burns
- Atypical Wounds
- Autoimmune Wounds
- Wound Caused by Infections
Arterial Ulcer
What is an arterial ulcer?
Arterial or ischemic ulcers are wounds or openings on the skin that happen when blood does not flow well through narrow or damaged arteries. These ulcers usually show up on the legs, feet, or toes because of a problem called peripheral artery disease (PAD).
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
PAD is a condition where the blood vessels that carry blood to your legs and feet become narrow or blocked. This makes it harder for blood to flow to these areas which can lead to lack of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue resulting in tissue death and open wounds.
PAD commonly occurs in patients who smoke or have diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, or several other medical conditions. Improving the supply of blood is the main treatment for arterial ulcers.
How do you care for your arterial ulcer?
Arterial ulcers need proper care and treatment to prevent infection and to help
them heal. We recommend the following ways to care for your arterial ulcer:
- Keep the area clean by gently washing with mild soap and water
- Apply treatment to the wound to help keep the wound moist
- Cover the wound with a dressing to help heal and protect from germs
- Wear protective shoes to take the pressure off the foot and toes
When should I call for help?
- Your foot or leg becomes painful, seems white or purple, has decreased pulses, feels cold, feels numb, or is hard to move
- Your foot or leg shows redness, blistering, or a new opening in the skin
- Fevers, chills, nausea, or vomiting
- Unusual increase in blood sugar levels
- Increased pain that does not go away
- Redness in and around the wound
- Leg, foot, or toes are warm to touch
- Swelling in the leg, foot, or toes
- Increased or unusual wound drainage or odor
What activities should I avoid?
- Smoking nicotine, tobacco, or similar products
- Exposing your feet to extreme temperatures
- Removing or picking scabs or dry skin
- Soaking your feet in hot water
- Trimming ingrown or thick toenails
How do you prevent an arterial ulcer?
- Check your legs and feet daily for red spots, cracks, blisters, calluses, or other changes (Use a mirror to see the bottoms of the feet and the backs of the legs)
- Look inside your shoes daily for small pebbles or other objects and check your socks for holes
- Wear clothes and shoes that fit well to protect your legs and feet from injury
- Wear protective shoes and do not walk around barefoot
- Schedule a yearly foot evaluation
- Take care of your legs and feet by washing them with soap and water, drying them completely, and applying moisturizer (Do not put moisturizer between your toes as this can lead to skin breakdown or an infection)
- Manage your diabetes by taking medicine as prescribed, eating a well-balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight
