The first step in treating an arterial ulcer is to improve blood flow to the site, increase the amount of oxygen in the wound and facilitate healing. To do this, in addition to maintaining wound treatment with a nurse, it is important to have lifestyle changes. As:
In some cases, these simple measures may improve circulation and facilitate ulcer healing, however, in more severe cases, it may be necessary to consult a vascular surgeon for revascularization surgery in the affected area, which may include angioplasty or a diversion, for example.
- Although circulation at the site does not improve.
- The wound cannot heal and therefore even with proper treatment of the ulcer.
- The tissues cannot grow properly.
- Preventing the wound from closing.
Treatment of arterial ulcers should always be done by a nurse or other healthcare professional, as it is necessary to keep the wound as clean and dry as possible, so normally to make the dressing the nurse needs:
During treatment, your doctor may also remove pieces of dead tissue with sterile tweezers or a scalpel; however, there are also products, such as enzyme powder, that can be applied before the dressing is closed and dead tissue is removed until the next treatment. .
If an infection occurs, identified by symptoms such as redness in the leg, more severe pain, swelling and odor, it is important for the nurse to start treatment with antibiotic ointments or special dressings to remove bacteria. It is also important to inform your doctor, general physician to evaluate the need to start using an oral antibiotic.
Surgery is usually necessary when the wound does not heal and there is a high risk of infection. This type of surgery uses a skin extract from another part of the body, usually the thigh, to cover the wound and speed healing.
However, surgery may also be indicated when many dead tissues develop, which cannot be removed during wound treatment.
The most common features of arterial ulcer include
Unlike venous ulcers, also known as varicose veins, in arterial ulcers, the surrounding skin is usually not swollen or reddened. Learn more about venous ulcers and how to treat them.
The main difference between arterial and venous ulcers is their cause, because while in the artery the wound is caused by a lack of arterial blood at one place in the leg, in venous ulcers the wound results from excessive accumulation of venous blood in the leg. , which will weaken tissues and skin.
For example, venous ulcers are more common in the elderly, especially those with very swollen legs at the end of the day, while arterial ulcers are more common in people who have affected arterial circulation, such as those with diabetes, overweight, or wearing too tight clothing or shoes.
In addition, because the arterial ulcerative wound is caused by a lack of blood, it is generally harder to treat and takes longer to heal, and surgery is often necessary to improve blood circulation, especially since healthy lifestyles are not respected.