Arterial and Ischemic Ulcers

Arterial and ischemic ulcers affect between 1.5% and 3.5% of people ages 60-89. Although less common than venous ulcers, these slow-healing wounds present similar risks. At Complete Wound Care in Wallingford and Milford, Connecticut, complex wound care specialists Adrian Wyllie, MD, MBA, CWSP, FAPWH, and Vadim Kurbatov, MD, PhD, have years of experience diagnosing and treating arterial and ischemic ulcers. Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule arterial and ischemic ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.

What are arterial and ischemic ulcers?

Arterial ulcers, also known as ischemic ulcers, are chronic and slow-healing wounds caused by poor circulation. They form when the arteries don’t deliver enough oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to a specific part of the body. This lack of circulation causes cell and tissue death, damaging the skin and resulting in open wounds. 

Arterial ulcers can form almost anywhere. However, they commonly occur on the lower extremities. Since these areas are also prone to swelling and pressure, treating arterial ulcers is challenging. 

Why do arterial and ischemic ulcers form?

Arterial and ischemic ulcers typically form due to an underlying medical condition. Common causes include:

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• Atherosclerosis
• Heart disease
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Blood clotting disorders
• Venous insufficiency

Lifestyle factors can also play a role. For example, you’re more likely to experience arterial ulcers if you smoke or live a sedentary lifestyle. 

What are the symptoms of arterial and ischemic ulcers?

Arterial and ischemic ulcer symptoms include:

• Dark, open wounds on the legs, ankles, or feet
• Red, yellow, or black sores that don’t bleed
• Pain and discomfort that’s worse at night
• Skin around the ulcer that’s shiny, dry, or hairless

Contact Complete Wound Care immediately if you have any of these symptoms. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you are to develop an infection.

How are arterial and ischemic ulcers diagnosed?

Your Complete Wound Care provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines the ulcer (or ulcers). They also take the pulse in your ankles to assess blood flow to your lower extremities. 

Often, a visual exam is enough to develop a treatment plan. However, your provider might also take a skin sample (biopsy) to check for infection or complete a Doppler ultrasound to measure circulation in your legs and feet.

How are arterial and ischemic ulcers treated?

Complete Wound Care treats arterial and ischemic ulcers using a holistic and patient-centered approach. They might suggest:

• Wound debridement (removal of dead and diseased tissue)
• UltraMIST® Therapy
• Cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs)
• Compression therapy
• Offloading therapy
• Advanced wound dressings
• Negative wound pressure therapy (NWPT)
• Prescription antibiotics
• Pain management

These treatments, combined with healthy lifestyle changes, improve blood flow and promote healing. If the ulcer persists, surgery might be necessary.

Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule treatment for arterial and ischemic ulcers, or book your visit online.