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VASCULAR ULCERS
DESCRIPTION
What is a Vascular Ulcer?
That one where the main – not only – cause of ulceration develops arterial and/or venous affectation, being the vessels either of larger or smaller calibre. We have to distinguish vascular ulcers from pressure ulcers, which can occur caused by a sustained and excessive body support in certain points as the sacrum, ischial areas, heels, hips, etc.
What types of Vascular Ulcers exist?
We distinguish between 5 types of ulcers:
Vascular: Arterial, Venous, Neuropathic, Hypertensive and Mixed ones (which comprise different types at the same time, for example diabetic ulcers: arterial and neuropathic component).
How Vascular Ulcers are treated?
First of all is to know the aetiology accurately, because otherwise it will normally not close or worsen. Therefore, in general terms, we have to 1º) treat the cause and 2º) improve ulcer local conditions with appropriate cures.
It is not only about, for example, revascularising an ischemic ulcer. The patient will need in addition treatment of the ulcer itself (surgical debridement, special cures, etc.) and furthermore provide him with different drugs to help in the mentioned healing.
It is not about, another example, applying bandages and cures subsequent to a venous ulcer. It may come to close, but if we reduce venous return in an effective way (varicose veins surgery or sclerotherapy, etc.) it will close in a rapid and possibly indefinite way.
