Ulcers

A chronic ulcer is a wound that does not heal properly. Prior to an open wound developing, there are often abnormalities in the leg. There are often varicose veins as well as fluid accumulation in the legs. Brown discolouration and eczema may subsequently develop.

Ulcers have several causes:

• Trauma: a bump, a fall, after surgery, burn wound, decubitus...
• Venous problems: blood vessels from the leg to the heart (veins) that no longer work properly
• Arterial problems: a blood vessel from the heart to the leg (artery) that is blocked (this is much less common).
• Diabetes
• Bacterial infections
• Medication
• Rare forms of wounds: pyoderma gangrenosum, skin cancer, vasculitis, artefacts, calciphylaxis...

You can go to the Dermatology Department for all these wound problems. In case of extensive or chronic wound problems, we offer our specialised wound care consultation. We work with a multidisciplinary team comprising wound nurses, dermatologists, vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons and orthopaedists.

See also: Wound care consultation.

Latest publication date: 15/05/2024