An ulcer is any break in the integrity of the normal layers of skin. Ulcers can be a complication of venous or arterial disease, or secondary to diabetes. There are other causes including infective or traumatic. In many cases, there are multiple causes acting simultaneously to initiate or perpetuate an ulcer. They can lead to a number of complications, including bone infection (osteomyelitis) or blood stream infection, which can be very serious.
At Yarra Vascular Surgeons, we invest a great deal of effort into efficiently diagnosing ulcers to identify the precise cause or causes. We then formulate a thorough treatment plan that we deliver in the most efficient way in order to allow the ulcer to heal and allow the patient to return to function as soon as possible. A multidisciplinary approach is key, and we ensure collaboration with podiatry, wound specialists, as well as a diabetes specialists as may be required.
