Atypical Ulcers

Atypical ulcers account for about 20% of all chronic wounds. However, they are challenging to treat. Fortunately, professional wound care can promote healing and prevent complications. At Complete Wound Care in Wallingford and Milford, Connecticut, complex wound care specialists Adrian Wyllie, MD, MBA, CWSP, FAPWH, and Vadim Kurbatov, MD, PhD, regularly diagnose and treat atypical ulcers. Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule atypical ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.

What are atypical ulcers?

Atypical ulcers, also known as atypical wounds, are slow-healing, open sores that can’t be categorized as diabetic, venous, arterial, or pressure ulcers. These wounds are unique because they’re caused by conditions that typically don’t cause ulcers, such as chronic illnesses, infections, and genetic disorders. 

Because atypical ulcers aren’t caused by traditional factors. They’re challenging to diagnose and treat. Even so, prompt intervention can slow their progression and prevent them from worsening.

What are the symptoms of atypical ulcers?

Since atypical ulcers don’t follow typical wound patterns, they vary from person to person. Still, there are signs to watch for. For example, atypical wounds:

• Have an abnormal appearance
• Form in unusual areas
• Present significant pain for their size
• Don’t heal within 4-12 weeks of treatment

If you develop any of these symptoms, contact Complete Wound Care immediately. A trained wound care specialist can determine if your ulcer is atypical and make personalized treatment recommendations.

How are atypical wounds diagnosed?

Your Complete Wound Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the wound, what caused it, and if you’ve tried any at-home treatments. Answer their questions honestly because your responses provide crucial information. 

Next, your provider examines the wound, assessing its size, shape, location, and borders. Since atypical wounds can look similar to other types of wounds, your provider collects a tissue sample (biopsy) and sends it to a nearby lab for analysis. They also order blood tests and complete diagnostic imaging to see how far the wound extends beneath your skin. 

Gathering this information helps guide treatment and reduces the risk of complications like infection and gangrene (tissue death). 

How are atypical wounds treated?

The Complete Wound Care team treats atypical wounds using an integrative 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

Most atypical wounds benefit from several types of treatment. Your provider monitors your wound at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed to promote healing and prevent infection. Since atypical wounds don’t always respond to traditional treatments, it may take some trial and error to determine the most effective approach.

Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule atypical wound treatment, or book your appointment online.