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Skin Ulcers

Wound Care Specialist located in Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights, New York, NY
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Skin Ulcers services offered in Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights, New York, NY


If you have diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD), you’re also more likely to experience skin ulcers. At the practice of Dr. Sapna Pandya, with offices in the Washington Heights and Manhattan Valley neighborhoods of New York City, New York, advanced wound care specialist Sapna Pandya, DPM, provides advanced treatments for skin ulcers to people ages three and older. Dr. Pandya treats all her patients as valued individuals, honoring their unique needs and humanity. To learn more about the treatment of skin ulcers, call the nearest office or book online today.

Skin Ulcers Q&A

What are skin ulcers?

Skin ulcers are open wounds that form on the lower extremities, like your feet or toes. Often, they occur because of poor circulation.

If you have diabetes or another medical issue that affects blood flow to your feet, you’re also more likely to experience nerve damage (neuropathy).

When the nerves in your feet don’t work normally, you can injure yourself and not realize it. If that happens, the wound might become infected, increasing your risk of more serious issues, like gangrene or amputation.

Who is at risk of having skin ulcers?

Skin ulcers affect people of all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Poor circulation
  • Heart disease
  • Weight issues
  • Foot issues, like a bunion or hammertoe
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes

Certain lifestyle factors may also increase your risk of skin ulcers, including smoking and drinking alcohol.

Ethnicity can also play a role. Studies show that black and Hispanic people are more likely to have pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. 

When should I seek treatment for skin ulcers?

Make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Sapna Pandya if you have an open wound on your lower leg, ankle, foot, or toe and it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, like applying antibiotic ointment or covering it with a bandage. That’s especially true if your skin changes color or the wound oozes blood or pus.

How are skin ulcers diagnosed?

To diagnose skin ulcers, Dr. Pandya reviews your medical records and asks about your wound, including when you first noticed it and if it's changed size or color. Next, she examines your wound, assessing its location, size, and appearance of its borders. 

If Dr. Pandya suspects an infection, she orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These procedures show her how far the ulcer extends beneath your skin and help determine the best treatment type.

How are skin ulcers treated?

Treatment of skin ulcers depends on various factors, including your age, health history, and the type of ulcer. Dr. Pandya strives to provide excellence in wound care and treats each patient as a valued individual. Depending on your needs, she might recommend:

  • Topical wound care
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Antiplatelet or anti-clotting medication
  • Compression garments
  • Wound drainage
  • Prosthetics
  • Wearing a cast or a brace
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Debridement (removal of dead tissue)
  • Removal of scar tissue

The goal of treatment is to encourage your body’s healing process while reducing the risk of additional complications.

Dr. Pandya and her staff speak English and Spanish fluently. They regularly diagnose and treat skin ulcers in people of all races and backgrounds.

Call the nearest office of Dr. Sapna Pandya to receive treatment for skin ulcers or book online today.