1. Leg Ulcers By: Chris Copp

2. Description Shallow sore on your leg that won’t heal. Starting with a break of the skin, the wound turns into an ulcer when it doesn’t heal usually because of poor blood flow.

3. Scientific Description STAGE II STAGE IV STAGE III STAGE I

4. Small but deep ulcers

5. Other Signs If you have a venous leg ulcer, you may also have: • swollen ankles filled with fluid that temporarily hold the imprint of your finger when pressed (known as pitting edema) • discoloration and darkening of your skin around the ulcer (known as haemosiderosis) • hardened skin around the ulcer, which may make your leg feel hard and resemble the shape of an upside-down champagne bottle (known as lipodermatosclerosis) • small, smooth areas of white skin, which may have tiny red spots (known as atrophied blanche)

6. Cause The most common cause of chronic leg ulcers is poor blood circulation in the legs. These are known as arterial and venous leg ulcers. Other causes include: • injuries - traumatic ulcers • diabetes - because of poor blood circulation or loss of sensation, resulting in pressure ulcers. • certain skin conditions • vascular diseases (stroke, angina, heart attack) • tumors • infections.

7. Cure Treatment options for all ulcers may include: • Antibiotics, if an infection is present • Anti-platelet or anti-clotting medications to prevent a blood clot • Topical wound care therapies • Compression garments • Prosthetics or orthotics, available to restore or enhance normal lifestyle function

8. Worst case scenario Worst case is when the ulcer gets so severe it destroys the muscle and/or bone, making it impossible to correct by that point.

9. 3 facts • Red in color and may be covered with yellow fibrous tissue • Fluid drainage can be significant. • There may be a green or yellow discharge if the ulcer is infected.