Leg Ulcers

Question 1

what is an ulcer

Answer 1

local defect or excavation of the surface of an organ or tissue that is produced by sloughing of inflammatory necrotic tissue

Question 2

what is a skin ulcer

Answer 2

loss of an area of epidermis and dermis to produce a defect

Question 3

what is erosion

Answer 3

loss of the epidermis (shallow)

Question 4

what are the causes of leg ulcer

Answer 4

most common cause is vascular (venous 70%, arterial 10%)

rare causes - neuropathic, inflammatory, infection

Question 5

what are the risk factors for venous leg ulcers

Answer 5

vascular incompetence
previous drainage of venous system
obesity

Question 6

what is bilateral cellulitis

Answer 6

vary rare due to venous hypertensive changes and venous eczema

Question 7

what are associated signs of chronic venous hypertension

Answer 7

venous flare
varicose veins 
varicose eczema 
lipidermatosclerosis 
atrophy blance

Question 8

what are arterial ulcers associated with

Answer 8

peripheral vascular disease

Question 9

what are the risk factors of arterial ulcers

Answer 9

diabetes
hypertension
history of ischaemic disease

Question 10

what is the end stage of arterial ulceration

Answer 10

gangrene

Question 11

where are neuropathic ulcers common

Answer 11

often under metatarsal head or the heal