Wound Care

Why does peripheral artery disease increase my risk for open wounds?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects the circulation of blood throughout your body. When your arteries begin to harden or become narrow, blood can’t flow through to deliver necessary nutrients and oxygen. 

With a lack of blood supply, your body struggles to heal naturally. Even minor cuts and abrasions can become complex, increasing your risk for infections, ulcers, and the death of skin tissue. 

In severe cases of PAD, tissue death can lead to amputation – often of your toes or foot. PAD and other conditions, like diabetes, are the leading cause of amputations for people in the United States.

When should I seek wound care treatment?

If you already have vascular disease, you should schedule a wound assessment at Coastal Vascular Center following any injury to your skin. This allows the medical team the opportunity to evaluate the severity of the wound and provide you with resources to properly care for your wound at home. 

For diabetics, daily foot care is important for identifying ulcers and other wounds in the toes and feet. Because peripheral artery disease can cause numbness in the legs and feet, it’s possible to suffer a wound or develop an ulcer without noticing. Untreated cuts and ulcers can quickly lead to tissue death and the need for amputation. 

How are vascular-related wounds treated?

After an evaluation of your wound, your Coastal Vascular Center doctor applies a dressing to prevent infection and promote your skin’s healing. They may also apply a topical antibiotic or other medication under the dressing.

You may also need to use compression stockings over the dressing to increase blood flow to the area. The medical team provides guidance for changing your dressings at home and keeping the wound clean. 

If the wound is already infected, your Coastal Vascular Center doctor may need to clean out the infection and prescribe a course of antibiotics. 

When an open wound is advanced, you may need to undergo a surgical procedure, known as debridement, to remove dead skin tissue and prevent the need for amputation. 

The Coastal Vascular Center team continues to monitor the healing of your wound through follow-up appointments. This proactive approach to wound care helps them identify complications as quickly as possible, so treatment isn’t delayed.

Don’t put off an evaluation of an open wound. Schedule a wound care consultation online today or call the Coastal Vascular Center office nearest you to book an appointment.