Skin ulcers

Skin Ulcer
Example of a skin ulcer on the leg
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Open sore, pain, redness, swelling
Complications	Infection, gangrene, sepsis
Onset	Varies depending on cause
Duration	Can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Pressure, venous insufficiency, diabetes, trauma
Risks	Immobility, poor circulation, diabetes, smoking
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Wound care, antibiotics, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies
Frequency	Common in certain populations
Deaths	N/A

A skin ulcer is an open sore on the skin that fails to heal properly and is often accompanied by inflammation, infection, and pain. Skin ulcers can occur on any part of the body but are most commonly found on the lower extremities, such as the legs and feet.

Causes

Skin ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Pressure ulcers: Also known as bedsores, these occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin, often in bedridden patients.
• Venous ulcers: Result from poor blood circulation in the veins, commonly seen in the legs.
• Diabetic ulcers: Occur in individuals with diabetes due to neuropathy and poor circulation.
• Arterial ulcers: Caused by insufficient blood flow through the arteries, often due to atherosclerosis.
• Traumatic ulcers: Result from physical injury to the skin.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a skin ulcer can vary depending on the underlying cause but generally include:

• An open sore or wound on the skin
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Pain or tenderness
• Discharge or pus from the ulcer
• Foul odor
• Dark or blackened skin around the ulcer (in severe cases)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a skin ulcer typically involves a physical examination and medical history review. Additional tests may include:

• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions such as diabetes or infection
• Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow
• Biopsy of the ulcer to rule out malignancy

Treatment

Treatment of skin ulcers focuses on addressing the underlying cause and promoting healing. Common treatments include:

• Wound care: Regular cleaning and dressing of the ulcer to prevent infection.
• Antibiotics: Prescribed if there is an infection present.
• Compression therapy: Used for venous ulcers to improve blood flow.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove dead tissue or improve circulation.
• Lifestyle changes: Such as smoking cessation and managing underlying conditions like diabetes.

Complications

If left untreated, skin ulcers can lead to serious complications, including:

• Infection: Can spread to surrounding tissues or enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.
• Gangrene: Tissue death due to lack of blood supply.
• Chronic pain and discomfort.

Prevention

Preventive measures for skin ulcers include:

• Regular repositioning for immobile patients to prevent pressure ulcers.
• Maintaining good hygiene and skin care.
• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and venous insufficiency.
• Wearing appropriate footwear to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.

Also see

• Pressure ulcer
• Venous ulcer
• Diabetic foot ulcer
• Wound healing
• Gangrene