What are leg ulcers?

skin ulcer is a shallow wound that develops on the skin. Untreated varicose veins may lead to the occurrence of venous skin ulcers in the lower leg, due to the abnormal blood flow in the area. Venous insufficiency causes poor blood circulation from the legs, which allows for blood to back up and pool in the veins, damaging surrounding tissue and thus leading to an ulcer.

Some factors increase the risk of venous skin ulcers. These are deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs), obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, work that requires sitting/standing for long hours

Venous skin ulcers can be extremely painful and difficult to heal. Without proper treatment, these wounds may worsen and become infected. Venous skin ulcers often reoccur if the venous problem is not addressed.