Vascular ulcers are chronic wounds resulting from circulatory dysfunction — either in veins, arteries, or both. They mostly affect the lower extremities and pose a major health challenge due to their slow healing and tendency to recur.
Main Types:
- Venous ulcers (70%): Most common. Caused by venous insufficiency and blood reflux. Usually appear above the inner ankle. Irregular shape, moderately painful, surrounded by discolored skin (venous eczema). Cause: valvular incompetence leading to venous hypertension.
- Arterial ulcers (10-15%): Result from ischemia. Appear on toes, foot, heel. Circular, deep, "punched out," very painful especially at night. Cold, pale foot with weak pulse.
- Mixed ulcers (15-20%): Combined venous and arterial — hardest to treat because treatment differs by predominant component.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we perform comprehensive vascular assessment including ABPI measurement to determine ulcer type and develop an appropriate treatment plan.