Pressure ulcers (PU)
Injuries caused by prolonged pressure, or pressure combined with shear, which compromises perfusion and leads to tissue necrosis. They appear over bony prominences (sacrum, heels) in people with reduced mobility.
Wounds can have very diverse origins, and each type requires a specific approach. Understanding their aetiology is the first step towards effective treatment and optimal healing.
Types of wounds
Moisture-associated lesions
Skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture (urine, faeces, sweat), producing maceration, erosions and dermatitis. They are not caused by pressure, although they can coexist with pressure ulcers.
Burns
Injuries caused by thermal, chemical, electrical or radiation agents. Tissue destruction ranges from superficial lesions to deep necrosis depending on the degree and duration of exposure.
Venous ulcers
Chronic wounds caused by venous insufficiency, usually in the lower third of the leg. They tend to be superficial, with irregular edges, heavy exudate and relief when the limb is elevated.
Arterial ulcers
Lesions caused by ischaemia due to peripheral arterial disease. They are painful, with well-defined edges, a necrotic base and a distal location (toes, dorsum of the foot). They worsen with elevation.
Diabetic foot
A set of lesions on the foot of the diabetic patient due to neuropathy, ischaemia and/or infection. They may include plantar ulcers, deformities, loss of sensation and a high risk of complications.
Atypical ulcers
Wounds that do not fit the usual causes and are linked to uncommon aetiologies such as vasculitis, neoplasms, specific infections, drugs or autoimmune disorders. Their diagnosis requires specific examination.