Venous, arterial and diabetic ulcers

Venous: above the medial malleolus, irregular edges, heavy exudate, brown edematous surrounding skin, pain relieved by elevation, pulses usually present. Arterial: distal, on toes or pressure points, punched-out edges, dry pale base, little exudate, pain worse with elevation and at night, weak or absent pulses. Diabetic (neuropathic): on the plantar surface at pressure points, callused edges, painless because of neuropathy. Compression is only safe with adequate arterial flow: clarify an ankle-brachial index below 0.8 or above 1.3 before applying it.

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse