Wound Types

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection a condition, often referred to in the press as the ‘flesh-eating bug’ on account of the speed with which the infection spreads.  The condition was first described by Hippocrates around the fifth century, and the term “necrotizing fasciitis” was coined by Joseph Jones, a former Confederate…

Over the previous few weeks, we have looked at the condition known as vasculitis, in which the blood vessels become inflamed, leading to necrosis, hemorrhage, ischemia, and infarction. Vasculitis may either be caused by one of a number of identifiable conditions (including diseases of the connective tissue, malignancy, or a drug reaction) or can be…

Vasculitis is an inflammation and necrosis of the blood vessels, leading to hemorrhage, ischemia, and infarction.(1–3) Treatment of the condition is entirely dependent on the extent of the disease. In many instances, cutaneous vasculitis is a self-limited condition, relieved by leg elevation, avoidance of standing, and therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, more extensive…

Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessel wall, is associated with multiple cutaneous manifestations as well as systemic sequelae.(1-5) Opinions on the Classification of Vasculitis Opinion is divided over the best way to classify cutaneous vasculitis. Some prefer classification according to etiology, differentiating between primary (idiopathic) and secondary disease.(1) Approximately 50% of cases are idiopathic,…

Sickle cell leg ulcers are a common manifestation of sickle cell disease, affecting around 75% of patients over the course of their disease.(1) Sickle cell ulcers can be both painful and debilitating, and tend to heal only slowly. It has been shown that most ulcers will eventually heal on their own following a prolonged period…

Sickle cell ulcers are a common characteristic of an uncommon disease. Sickle cell disease predominantly affects black individuals, often having a seriously adverse effect on quality of life. Symptoms associated with sickle cell disease include ‘crisis’ episodes of fever and pain; severe abdominal pain; bone, joint, and back pain; and fertility problems. It has also…

Let’s look at the relatively uncommon but extremely debilitating issue of sickle cell ulcers. Sickle cell ulcers are a common manifestation of sickle cell disease, which is itself an inherited, genetic disorder of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells. Sickle Cell Ulcer Statistics Sickle cell disease is particularly common among people whose ancestors come…

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare but serious ulcerating skin disease causing painful ulcers on the legs and other parts of the body. Although pyoderma gangrenosum can affect individuals of any age, it is most common in people in their 40s and 50s. It tends to be associated with inflammatory conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease,…

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a  rare but serious ulcerating skin disease, which can present in many forms and to a variety of health professionals. This means a diagnosis of the condition is often delayed, lead to serious clinical consequences for the patient. [1] Pyoderma gangrenosum presents most commonly on the lower legs, particularly in the pretibial…