Arterial Ulcers

Epidemiology

Features of poor arterial circulation incude:

5 P's:

pain - intermittent claudication and supine nocturnal pain, relieved by foot dangling
pallor
paresthesia
pulselessness
paralysis

arterial ulcers tend to be:

Doppler studies can be done to determine ABI and flow studies.

healing will not take place in an ischemic ulcer unless adequate blood supply is achieved

do not debride or use compression therapy.

minimize potential for infection by using povodone-iodine

vasodilators not useful, as ischemia is itself is a potent vasodilator, and systemic vasodilation could shunt blood to areas of lower perfusion.

Anti-platelet therapy - clopidogrel or ASA may be used.