A lesion on an epithelial surface (skin or mucous membrane) caused by superficial loss of tissue. is a persistent discontinuity; Breach of skin of an epithelial surface that can occur in the skin or mucosa of the elementary and respiratory tracts.
Pressure ulcers; Bedridden patients
Exam Ulcer
- Causes:
1- recurrent physical injury
2- recurrent chemical injury
3- Ischemia
4- neoplastic changes
5- poor healing (malnutrition / systemic disease)
- Differential Diagnosis
- Venous ulcer
- Arterial ulcer
- Traumatic (Neuropathic,
- Infective
- Neoplastic
History similar to the lump
- Duration of the current symptoms (when & How noticed); usually chronic
- What drew the patient attention? (discharges, bad smell, bleeding, …)
- Course of the ulcer since appearance (size, shape, discharge, if healed and broken down now)
- Associated Sx?(fever, sensation changes)
- Any other ulcers elsewhere?
- Hx of previous Trauma / burn / bare foot
- Any Tx had been suggested or administered?
- DM controlled? confirms differential diagnosis