What is a Skin Ulcer?

A skin ulcer is an area of skin that has broken down and created an open sore. There are several different types, including venous skin and pressure ulcers. Both can lead to similar symptoms, but the underlying causes, and therefore treatments, often vary. Some people have conditions that increase the risk of a skin ulcer, so health-care providers generally recommend these people take certain steps to help prevent one from forming.

At the start of the formation of a skin ulcer, the cells in a certain area of the body begin to break down and slough away, leaving the area red. Without treatment of the underlying cause of the skin degradation, the steady erosion of cells can eventually form a blister, or bubble of fluid, just underneath the skin, which can break open and form a crater. This crater is the actual skin ulcer and is usually characterized by a perimeter of skin surrounding a shiny, depressed center, which may be red, green and/or yellow depending on how much skin has deteriorated and whether an infection is present.

There are several different types of skin ulcers. Two common types include venous skin ulcers, which typically affect the legs and feet and are caused by a reduction of blood flow and consequent swelling, and pressure ulcers, which can be caused by excess pressure on the skin on any part of the body. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms of itchy and/or painful reddened or blistered skin and open crater-like sores. Due to the difference in the underlying cause, treatments may vary.

Treatment for a venous skin ulcer generally involves improving blood flow and reducing swelling in the affected leg or foot. Methods of doing this can include elevation of the legs, use of compression bandages or stockings and, in more severe cases, special medications or surgery. Treatment for a pressure ulcer generally involves reducing the pressure being applied to the skin, for example, by having a person change positions often and adding padding underneath the affected area. Pressure ulcer treatment also often involves regular cleaning of the wound and application of specially medicated dressings to help it heal. As with venous skin ulcers, severe pressure ulcers may require surgical treatment.

Certain people may be at higher risk for getting a skin ulcer, including those who have limited mobility, diabetes, heart failure, varicose veins and thinned skin. Health-care providers often recommend these higher risk people take steps to help prevent skin ulcers. For example, people with limited mobility are often encouraged to change positions frequently. Those with varicose veins or diabetes may be encourage to wear compression stockings regularly and get regular physical activity to help maintain good blood flow to the legs and avoid venous skin ulcers.