What is the difference between venous and arterial?
Arteries are blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body. Veins are blood vessels that carry blood low in oxygen from the body back to the heart for reoxygenation. Arteries and veins are two of the body’s main type of blood vessels.
What does an arterial ulcer look like?
Arterial ulcers are characterized by a punched-out look, usually round in shape, with well-defined, even wound margins. Arterial ulcers are often found between or on the tips of the toes, on the heels, on the outer ankle, or where there is pressure from walking or footwear.
How do you distinguish between arterial and venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency refers to a breakdown in the flow of blood in our veins, while arterial insufficiency stems from poor circulation in the arteries.
Are arterial ulcers wet or dry?
Typically, the ulcer itself is small, round, and smooth, with a “punched out” appearance and well-defined borders. The wound may be shallow or deep. The wound base typically is pale, dry, necrotic, and without granulation tissue (see photograph of an arterial ulcer on the foot). You may see wet or dry gangrene.