Overview

A skin ulcer is a crater-like depression in the skin that has the fluid that is known as senile blood or infected pus displaced. When the skin rubs against itself, it leaves a crater-like wound that looks like an ulcer. In severe cases, the ulcer can become a deep wound that extends into the muscle tissue and exposes bones and joints.

Skin ulcers develop when there is a disintegration of tissue, and are caused by a multitude of different factors, from trauma, lack of circulation, or long-term pressure. Luckily, several treatment options can help to heal and prevent further complications.

What are the symptoms of skin ulcers?

Some skin ulcers are painful, but not all are. Someone with a skin ulcer may have a swollen leg and feel an itching or burning sensation. 

Additional possible symptoms of skin ulcers include:

• Rash
• Redness
• Brown, discolored skin
• Dry, scaly skin
• Scabbing 
• Swelling of the skin near the ulcer
• Pain or tenderness near the skin ulcer
• Bloody, clear, or pus-filled discharge from the ulcer 
• Hair loss near the skin ulcer
• A bad smell from the area around the ulcer 

What causes skin ulcers?

Venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency occurs when veins do not send blood from the legs to the heart. Causes include varicose veins and blood clots. The blockage of healthy blood flow to the skin tissue in the affected area can cause the skin to die and skin ulcers to form.

Venous leg ulcers can develop from minor injuries or high pressure in the leg veins that damage the skin. In some cases, severe swelling and pressure can build up in the skin, leading to the formation of an ulcer. 

Diabetes. Diabetes causes high blood sugar. High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. People who suffer from peripheral neuropathy may lose the sense of touch in their legs and feet. When the feeling is lost in the legs and feet, the person, therefore, will not feel injuries or pain in these areas. High blood sugar can also slow wound healing. If all of this is left untreated, it is the perfect storm for the formation of skin ulcers.

Pressure. If one stays in the same position for too long, the constant pressure on those affected areas will squeeze blood vessels. Like atherosclerosis, this blocks healthy blood flow to skin tissue in those areas, eventually causing the skin to die and a skin ulcer to form.

What are the types of skin ulcers?

Arterial ulcers. occur when arteries don't deliver sufficient oxygen-rich blood to the lower extremities. If a part of the body does not receive enough blood, the skin tissue in this area can begin to decompose and form wounds that can turn into a skin ulcer.

Venous skin ulcers. ulcers, usually found on the lower leg, calf or ankle, become inflamed and develop an unpleasant smell, increased sensitivity and redness. There is discoloration and hardening of the skin around the ulcer, and they produce a foul-smelling discharge. The patient may also feel pain under the skin of the ulcers and fluid may escape from them.

Decubitus ulcers. develop in bony areas where the bones are subjected to additional pressure by the skin; or in an area where fat is cushioned by the skin. 

Neuropathic skin ulcers. are usually caused by nerve damage or narrow arteries. Sometimes they are referred to as “diabetic foot ulcers”. These ulcers typically develop on the pressure points of the foot.

Neuropathic skin ulcers develop from smaller wounds, such as blisters or small cuts. A person with diabetes-associated neuropathy might not realize that they have an ulcer until it starts leaking fluid or becomes infected, in which case they may notice a distinct odor.

How to treat skin ulcers?

If you have a foot or leg ulcer, it is important to wash the affected area of the ulcer with mild soap and lukewarm water every day. After cleaning the area, you can remove and remove dead skin, drainage and dirt from the area.

Dressing. The first step is to remove any debris or dead tissue from the ulcer and apply an appropriate dressing. This provides the best conditions for the ulcer to heal.

Compression. To improve vein circulation in your legs and treat swelling, your nurse will apply a firm compression bandage over the affected leg. These bandages are designed to squeeze your legs and encourage blood to flow upwards towards your heart.

The type of bandage prescribed for an ulcer is determined by the type of ulcer and appearance based on the ulcer. For example, compression bandages can be helpful for venous ulcers as they help with blood circulation and treatment, but should not be used for malignant skin ulcers.

If other treatments do not work and you still have a large wound, you may need a skin graft. Painkillers may be necessary if the ulcer causes pain and the dressing change is painful.

Takeaway

An ulcer is a wound on the skin or mucous membrane associated with tissue decay. There is a fracture in the skin where the underlying tissue is visible.

Early treatment will reduce the risk of infection and other problems. If you have sores that haven’t healed within two to three weeks, it’s time to seek medical help. At this point, you probably have a skin ulcer. Early treatment of sores can reduce the risk of infection and other problems, so being vigilant is essential.