How do ulcers look

There may also be discoloured or hardened skin around the ulcer, and the sore may produce a foul-smelling discharge. See your GP if you think you have a leg ulcer, as it'll need specialist treatment to help it heal.

Venous leg ulcers can develop after a minor injury, where persistently high pressure in the veins of the legs has damaged the skin.

Venous leg ulcers are estimated to affect around 1 in people in the UK, although they become much more common with age. You're more at risk of developing one if you previously had deep vein thrombosis DVT or find it difficult to walk because of a problem such as:. You're also more at risk if you recently had an operation on your leg, such as a hip replacement or knee replacement. People with swollen and enlarged veins varicose veins also have a higher risk of developing venous leg ulcers.

Most venous leg ulcers heal within 3 to 4 months if they're treated by a healthcare professional trained in compression therapy for leg ulcers. Antibiotics may also be used if the ulcer becomes infected, but they do not help ulcers heal. But unless the underlying cause of the ulcer is addressed, there's a high risk of a venous leg ulcer coming back after treatment. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. What separates venous leg ulcers apart from other diseases is the heightened risk of infection you have through an open sore. Venous leg ulcers are sores that develop between your knee and ankle, but they typically form inside the leg near or around the ankle. They are large, shallow ulcers with uneven edges that drain or weep a lot. You may also experience tightness in your calves, as well as aching, throbbing or a feeling of heaviness in your legs.

Pooled and trapped blood often causes discolored splotches in the area. Your veins carry blood back to your heart, and valves in the veins stop the blood from flowing backward.

Experts say a venous leg ulcer is more likely to occur in women between ages 40 and 49 and in men between ages 70 and While most heal within three months, some ulcers can take up to two years or more to finally get better. Treatment will depend on many factors, including the reason for the condition and your health status and history. Other factors your doctor will consider are:. They help improve blood flow and can reduce leg swelling. Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can cause nerve damage, which results in a reduced or total loss of feeling in the hands and feet.

This condition is called neuropathy , and it occurs in approximately 60—70 percent of people with diabetes. 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. Decubitus ulcers, also called pressure sores or bedsores, occur as a result of constant pressure or friction on the skin.

Skin tissues can withstand a maximum pressure of 30—32 millimeters of mercury. Any increase in pressure beyond this range can lead to poor circulation, tissue death, and eventually ulcer formation. Buruli ulcer is a medical condition caused by the Mycobacterium ulcerans bacteria. An infection with this bacteria can form large ulcers on the arms and legs. Stasis dermatitis , or gravitational dermatitis, is a condition that causes inflammation , irritated skin, and ulcers on the legs.

It is the result of fluid buildup due to poor circulation. According to the National Eczema Association , stasis dermatitis is more common in women than men and people over the age of Different skin ulcers have different underlying causes, which range from poor circulation to bacterial infections.

At first, a skin ulcer might look like mild skin irritation or a slightly discolored patch of skin. Over time, the skin tissue will begin to disintegrate, forming a shallow wound. A healthcare provider can diagnose a skin ulcer based on its appearance.

A person can treat a skin ulcer at home if it is small and does not show signs of infection. Treatments for mild ulcers focus on preventing infection. Keep the ulcer clean and covered, if it is not leaking.

Signs of an infected ulcer include swelling, pain, drainage, or a foul odor. People who notice any of these symptoms require medical attention. Poor circulation is a major contributing factor to skin ulcer development. Improving proper circulation can help treat and prevent ulcers. If a person does not receive treatment, skin ulcers can progress into chronic wounds or dangerous infections. People may be able to reduce the symptoms of mild skin ulcers and the risk of infections and complications with the following home remedies:.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Because of the curcumin, turmeric may help heal skin wounds. After cleaning the affected skin, try applying a generous amount of turmeric powder to the ulcer.