Skin Ulcers - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Skin ulcers are lesions that result from the loss of epidermis, parts of the superficial dermis and, sometimes, even deeper layers of the skin. These deep lesions are particularly painful and do not demonstrate a normal tendency to spontaneous healing. In fact, skin ulcers often represent a symptom of an underlying pathological condition that also causes a slowing down of the healing and wound healing processes.

Skin ulcers can arise following a physical trauma, with or without vascular damage, which triggers a loss of tissue. Other causes include infections, venous stasis, vasculitis, neoplasms, neurological problems and autoimmune diseases with vascular involvement.

Pressure or pressure ulcers, common in bedridden patients for a long period, are caused by the lack of an adequate blood supply. Furthermore, diabetic ulcers exist, which present a neuropathic origin. They usually affect the lower limbs and are determined by an alteration in the blood flow that causes tissue damage.