Leg Ulcers

What is a Venous Skin Ulcer?

A skin ulcer is a wound that forms on the skin. A venous skin ulcer forms from veonus insufficiency.  Venus insufficiency is when the leg veins return blood back to the heart slower than normal, this will result in an ulcer. These are also calle stasis leg ulcers. These ulcers can form anywhere on the leg, but are more common on the sides of the leg, above the ankles, or below the calfs. Venous Skin Ulcers can become painful and do not heal quickly.  It is important to get these treated or they will continue to come back.

What Causes Venous Skin Ulcers?

Veins are designed to have one-way valves, the purpose of this is to prevent blood from flowing back to the heart. With venous insufficience, the blood in the veins backs up and creates pools of blood in the veins, resulting in damaged veins.When this happens there is pressure in the veins and this can cause the blood to leak out of the veins and into the tissue. This is the breeding ground for an ulcer to be formed. 

What are Venous Skin Ulcer Symptoms?

There are a few distinct symptoms of a venous skin ulcer.  The first and most common symptom is the skin will turn dark red or purple over the area whre the vein is leaking blood into the tissue. During this time it is common for the skin to become irritated, itchy, or thick. At this point it is necessary to receive treatment before the ulcer forms and becomes painful. Another common symptom is swollen and achy legs. If the ulcer goes untreated and becomes infected, this can cause an odor, and pus may drain from the ulcer. 

How are Venous Skin Ulcers Diagnosed and Treated?

Dr. Goldman in Jupiter and Wellington, Florida will diagnose venus skin ulcers by asking you medical questions and then looking at the ulcer on your leg. Dr. Goldman may also use a duplex doppler ultrasound. This will show the blood circulation in the legs. Improving your blood circulation will help prevent leg ulcers in the future. It is important to remain active and consistently go on walks or jogs.  You can also frequently lift your legs above your heart to improve circulation.