How are you differentiating the “big three”?

BY: NANCY MORGAN, RN, BSN, MBA, WOCN, WCC, CWCMS, DWC Lower extremity ulcers are often referred as the “big three”—arterial ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. Are you able to properly identify them based on their characteristics? Sometimes, it’s a challenge to differentiate them. Arterial ulcers tend occur the tips of toes, over phalangeal heads,
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FAQs for pressure ulcer staging

Staging pressure ulcers can be challenging. Below are some common questions—and answers—about staging. Q. If a pressure ulcer heals (completely epithelialized over), but later reopens at the same site, how should it be staged? A. According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, if a pressureulcer reopens in the same site, the ulcer should be listed at
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Dermatologic difficulties: Skin problems in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and phlebolymphedema

Skin problems associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and phlebolymphedema are common and often difficult to treat. The CVI cycle of skin and soft tissue injury from chronic disease processes can be unrelenting. If not properly identified and treated, these skin problems can impede the prompt treatment of lymphedema and reduce a patient’s quality of
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Debridement options: BEAMS made easy

At one time or another, all wound care professionals encounter a chronic wound, defined as a wound that fails to heal in an orderly and timely manner. Globally, about 67 million people (1% to 5% of the world’s population) suffer chronic wounds. In the United States, chronic wounds affect 6.5 million people and cost more
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