Leg ulcers

Leg ulcers are open sores that develop on deteriorated areas of the skin. They refer to full-thickness skin loss on the leg or foot due to causes such as poor circulation, bacterial infection, or varicose veins. Ulcers may be provoked by pressure or injury on the calf or the foot.

Leg ulcers may be acute or chronic. Acute ulcers are defined as those that the injuries follow the normal phases of healing in 2-3 weeks. Chronic ulcers are those that the injuries, due to an underlying problem, do not heal, and the affected area increases in size. They need more than 3 weeks to heal.

Leg ulcers are more common in women and in the elderly.