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9 questions about ulcers
Ulcers are deep, slow-healing wounds often linked to poor vein circulation. Here are the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention, answered in 9 questions.
- A leg ulcer is a deep, slow-healing wound, most often on the leg.
- About 70% of leg ulcers come from poor vein circulation.
- Varicose veins and phlebitis are frequent underlying causes.
- Treatment cleans and compresses the wound, then addresses the vein problem.
- Healing is slow, around 210 days, so prevention and early care matter.
Ulcers: you have heard the word but are not sure what it means? Here is everything about their origin, symptoms and treatment, in 9 questions and answers.
An ulcer is, by definition, a deep wound, on the skin or a mucous membrane, that struggles to heal. Because the skin can no longer do its job, it opens the door to infection and further problems.
1) Are ulcers dangerous?
Like any condition, an ulcer can be dangerous, and how quickly it is treated matters. Ulcers damage quality of life, and skin ulcers can lead to eczema, infection and even cancer. They can be disabling and often cause hospital admissions.
2) Are ulcers contagious?
It depends on the type. Ulcers caused by bacterial complications are contagious; those caused by venous problems are not.
3) What causes leg ulcers?
A leg ulcer forms where skin is missing and healing fails; the area is often red and painful. The origin breaks down roughly as follows:
| Origin of the leg ulcer | Share of cases |
|---|---|
| Poor circulation in the veins | 70% |
| Poor circulation in the arteries | 15% |
| A mix of both | 15% |
Varicose veins and phlebitis are frequent causes of leg ulcers.
Because most leg ulcers start with a vein problem, treating the faulty vein is key to preventing them. Focused ultrasound (echotherapy) closes the varicose vein without any incision.
4) How are leg ulcers treated?
The first step is to clean the wound with soap (a disinfectant would slow healing further), apply a dressing, then compression strips to help circulation. The underlying circulation problem must then be treated to prevent the ulcer coming back. On average a leg ulcer takes about 210 days to heal, and if it has not healed after 7 months a skin graft may be considered.
5) Which bandage is used?
Bandages provide venous compression to help circulation, reduce swelling and improve venous return. They are applied after cleaning and dressing:
- Varicose vein bandages
- Elastic (compression) bands
- Non-elastic (containment) bandages
- Multi-layer bandages
6) Are leg ulcers more common in women?
Their prevalence is 1 to 1.3% of the population, some 670,000 to 900,000 people in France, and it rises as the population ages. Venous ulcers, the most common type, affect about 3 women for every man, mostly women over 50 with a history of phlebitis or varicose veins.
7) How does a leg ulcer start?
A leg ulcer develops through a chain of events, in four stages:
Circulation fails
Varicose veins or phlebitis stop blood flowing normally in the legs.
Blood stagnates
Blood pools in the veins instead of returning to the heart.
Tissue weakens
The stagnation damages the tissues and fragilises the skin.
The wound opens
The weakened skin breaks down and an ulcer forms.
8) Which specialist treats leg ulcers?
You can consult doctors who specialise in vein conditions: vascular surgeons and general surgeons treat leg ulcers. If the ulcer comes from a blocked artery, ask your doctor for a referral to a vascular surgeon.
9) How can you avoid leg ulcers?
Look after your general health: a diet low in fat and sugar helps protect the arteries and circulation. A few simple habits also help keep the blood moving:
- Walk as much as possible
- Wiggle and curl your toes
- Point your toes up and down
- Put your feet up
- Rotate your ankles
Ulcers should not be taken lightly: they are both a consequence and a cause of other health problems, and can become disabling, so seek specialist help early. Wondering whether echotherapy is available near you? A growing network of centres is already equipped with the SONOVEIN.
Questions fréquentes
What causes leg ulcers?
About 70% of leg ulcers come from poor vein circulation, 15% from poor artery circulation and 15% from a mix. Varicose veins and phlebitis are common underlying causes.
Are leg ulcers dangerous?
They can be. Ulcers damage quality of life and, if untreated, can lead to eczema, infection and, rarely, skin cancer, and often to hospital admissions.
How long does a leg ulcer take to heal?
On average around 210 days, depending on the depth and size of the wound. If it has not healed after about 7 months, a skin graft may be considered.
Are leg ulcers more common in women?
Yes. Venous ulcers, the most common type, affect about 3 women for every man, mostly women over 50 with a history of phlebitis or varicose veins.
How can I prevent leg ulcers?
Keep the blood moving with regular walking and simple foot and ankle exercises, elevate your legs, eat healthily, and treat any varicose veins.