A number of issues arise in the process of wound care. One that might come up from time to time is arterial ulcers. McKnight’s takes a look at arterial ulcers in a recent article titled “Ask the wound care expert about … arterial ulcers.”
According to Rosalyn Jordan of McKnight’s, “They’re less frequent than diabetic ulcers, but how concerned should we be about arterial ulcers (ischemic ulcers)? Atherosclerosis is the major cause of peripheral arterial disease. This reduces the arterial blood flow to the lower extremities. The lumen of the arteries become occluded and the extremity becomes ischemic. Most ulcers develop due to a traumatic event to the ischemic leg or foot. However, skin breakdown can occur spontaneously. Risk factors for arterial ulcers include hyperlipidemia, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, advanced age and post trauma to the foot or leg. Arterial ulcers are usually located on the top of the toes, over the phalangeal heads, around the lateral malleolus, or areas subjected to trauma. Many times they are associated with incorrect fitting footwear. Skin may appear as thin, cool, hairless and shiny with a grayish, dark red color. Dorsalis and posterior pulses are usually decreased or absent. The wound characteristics include even wound margins, punched out appearance with demarcated edges, wound bed is deep and pale in color, blanched peri-wound tissue and pain. There also may be cellulitis, minimal exudate, necrotic tissue and possible gangrene.”
If you happen to be in Ohio, you can get a more in-depth explanation of all things wound care, according to the Clermont Sun. The publication takes a look at this in a recent article titled “Wound care expert to present on wound bed preparation.” The author of the article writes, “Mercy Health, which provides advanced, quality, compassionate care in your neighborhood through its care network, announces Mercy Health – West Hospital is hosting a special guest, Dot Weir, a thought leader, author and keynote presenter on advanced wound care management. Weir will present on wound bed preparation and evidenced-based treatment modalities in the Auditorium at West Hospital, located at 3300 Mercy Health Blvd. ZIP 45211, from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, October 1.”
If you are in need of wound care, you need a surgeon you can trust. Rex E. Moulton-Barrett, M.D. is internationally known and acknowledged. He is board certified with The American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Moulton-Barrett offers a variety of services during wound care, including surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, bioengineered skin substitutes, specialized wound-specific dressings, and dietary and nutrition consultations.
For more information, contact us for a consultation.