Final answer:
In peripheral artery disease patients, typical skin manifestations include ulcers, bluish-cold skin, and poor nail and hair growth due to reduced blood flow. Lower ankle blood pressure compared to arm blood pressure is a diagnostic sign. Management is crucial to prevent serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The typical skin manifestations in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often result from reduced blood flow due to narrowed arteries, primarily in the legs. Patients may present with skin ulcers, bluish skin, cold skin, or poor nail and hair growth on the affected limb. More severe cases of PAD may also lead to skin changes such as thinning, shininess, and atrophy. One key diagnostic sign of PAD is when the blood pressure readings taken at the ankle are lower than those taken at the upper arm. It is critical to diagnose and manage PAD to prevent further complications such as heart attacks or strokes.