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Ischemic ulcers are open wounds caused by reduced blood supply, often affecting the legs and feet. Medical conditions such as atherosclerosis and diabetes can increase the risk. Symptoms include swelling, numbness, and slow healing. Treatment involves managing underlying conditions and proper wound care.
An ischemic ulcer is a break in the integrity of the skin, appearing as open wounds or lesions caused by a significant reduction in blood supply to the area. A decrease in the amount of blood going to a specific organ in the body consequently reduces its oxygen supply. Oxygen is very important for the normal functioning of cells and without oxygen, cell death can occur. The most common areas of the body affected by an ischemic ulcer are usually the legs and feet.
There are several medical conditions that can accelerate the formation of ischemic ulcers. People with conditions like atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of a blood vessel, and those with malfunctioning valves in their veins have a relatively higher chance of developing ischemic ulcers. Diabetes can also predispose individuals to developing diabetic ulcers or foot ulcers. Heavy smokers and genetically predisposed individuals are also considered to be at risk.
The cause of an ischemic ulcer is basically the inability of oxygen-rich blood to reach certain parts of the body. In patients with arterial insufficiency or arterial problems in the legs, for example, the blood circulation in the affected leg is greatly impaired. The cells, tissues and muscles of the lower extremities are deprived of oxygen, leading to cell death. The resulting cell death will manifest as an open wound, which may be very slow to heal or will not heal at all, because there is no oxygen to aid the healing process.
Initial symptoms of a developing ischemic ulcer often include swelling, reddish discoloration of the skin, and the appearance of dry, flaky skin, with a numbness or tingling sensation in the affected area. Pain may or may not accompany an ischemic ulcer. As oxygen deprivation continues, the patient’s ability to feel pressure, pain, and temperature decreases, rendering the area sensationless. Often the patient comes to the doctor with these ailments, and the doctor makes the diagnosis based on these manifestations.
Patient management and treatment often requires treatment of the underlying medical conditions causing the ischemic ulcer. Patients are then taught how to properly clean the wound by washing with mild soap and water to prevent infection from arising. Other recommended practices for patients with ischemic ulcers are the use of soft and comfortable footwear, not going barefoot, and frequently inspecting the affected parts. area.
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