Pages: 33 - 41
Article topics: Arterial ulcer, Mixed aetiology ulceration, Venous leg ulcer
There is an abundance of literature on the management of venous ulceration, however, increasing numbers of patients are presenting with ulcers of mixed aetiology — arterial and venous. Compression therapy is the gold standard treatment for venous ulcers, however, high levels of compression are contraindicated in the presence of severe arterial disease. Nevertheless, the venous element of a mixed aetiology ulcer needs to be addressed, which
can pose a dilemma for healthcare professionals caring for these patients. This article discusses the different aetiologies and current literature on how these ulcers can be managed effectively to achieve healing.