Difference Between Arterial and Venous Ulcers

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.

1. What is the difference between venous and arterial?
2. How do you distinguish between arterial and venous insufficiency?
3. What do Arterial Ulcers look like?
4. What is an arterial ulcer?
5. Why are venous ulcers so painful?
6. Do you stage venous ulcers?
7. Is venous insufficiency the same as pad?
8. What are the signs and symptoms of arterial insufficiency?
9. How long do venous ulcers take to heal?
10. How do you treat an arterial ulcer?
11. What is the main cause of arterial ulcers?
12. How do you dress an arterial ulcer?

What is the difference between venous and arterial?

Arterial blood is the oxygenated blood in the circulatory system found in the pulmonary vein, the left chambers of the heart, and in the arteries. It is bright red in color, while venous blood is dark red in color (but looks purple through the translucent skin). It is the contralateral term to venous blood.

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 do Arterial Ulcers look like?

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 is an arterial ulcer?

An arterial ulcer is a slow healing area of broken skin, usually on areas of the lower leg or foot. Early signs include cool or cold skin, and a reduced pulse in the foot.

Why are venous ulcers so painful?

When leg veins do not push blood back up to the heart as they should, the blood backs up (pools) creating extra pressure in the veins. If the condition is not treated, the increased pressure and excess fluid in the affected area can cause an open sore to form.

Do you stage venous ulcers?

Venous Ulcer Stages

The development of a venous leg ulcer occurs in four different stages. Stage 1 – Skin becomes red and inflamed. This stage often goes undetected because the symptoms look similar to a bug bite, bruise, or mild irritation. Stage 2 – The inflamed skin may leak a small amount of fluid.

Is venous insufficiency the same as pad?

It's important to remember, however, that peripheral vascular disease is a “group term,” and also involves diseases that affect the veins. The most common of these vein diseases is venous insufficiency, which can lead to varicose veins, in which the affected veins become swollen and discolored.

What are the signs and symptoms of arterial insufficiency?

Symptoms

• Painful cramping in one or both of your hips, thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.
• Leg numbness or weakness.
• Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side.
• Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal.
• A change in the color of your legs.

How long do venous ulcers take to heal?

Most venous leg ulcers heal within 3 to 4 months if they're treated by a healthcare professional trained in compression therapy for leg ulcers. But some ulcers may take longer to heal, and a very small number never heal.

How do you treat an arterial ulcer?

To treat arterial ulcers, your doctor will try to restore blood circulation to the affected area. Treating the underlying cause with antibiotics can help reduce symptoms, but it won't heal the ulcer completely. Doctors may use surgery to restore blood flow to tissues and organs in addition to antibiotics.

What is the main cause of arterial ulcers?

What causes arterial ulcers? Arterial ulcers are caused by arterial insufficiency; that is, inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the tissues. Arterial insufficiency is caused by high blood pressure and narrowing of the arteries due to atherosclerosis.

How do you dress an arterial ulcer?

Contrary to the management of other chronic wounds, arterial ulcers must be kept dry. Moist wound healing is not recommended for these types of ulcers. Excess moisture should be removed with absorbent dressings; however, the wound should be not so dry as to cause trauma to the wound bed during dressing changes.