A 71-year-old diabetic male smoker with severe peripheral arterial disease presented with a dorsal foot ulceration (2.5 cm X 2.4cm) that had been chronically open for nearly 2 years.

Etiology

The ulcers are caused by lack of blood flow to the capillary beds of the lower extremities. When pressure is placed on the skin, the skin is damaged and is unable to be repaired due to the lack of blood perfusing the tissue. The wound has a characteristic deep, punched out look, often extending down to the tendons. The wounds are very painful.^[2]

See also

• Arterial insufficiency
• Venous insufficiency ulceration
• List of cutaneous conditions

References