What does a venous leg ulcer look like?

Signs of a Venous Leg Ulcer

One of the first signs of a venous leg ulcer is skin discoloration and a darkening of the skin tone around the wound. The skin may also become firmer, creating a sensation that the leg feels hard and heavy. Other symptoms include:

• Swollen ankles
• Enlarged, prominent veins in the legs
• Red, scaly, and itchy skin

Infection in Venous Leg Ulcers

Open wounds are at risk of infection due to bacterial growth. If bacteria penetrate deeper than the surface of the ulcer, an infection can occur. Infected wounds often cause pain and general discomfort in the patient’s daily life. Additional signs of infection include redness, excessive exudate, odor, and increased swelling. If a venous leg ulcer shows signs of infection, it should be assessed by a physician to determine the need for a wound culture or possible antibiotic treatment.

Why are venous leg ulcers a major challenge?

Individuals at risk of developing venous leg ulcers also have a high risk of recurrence. Up to 70% of patients with previous venous insufficiency are likely to experience it again. In such cases, the underlying cause of the ulcer must be addressed.
For the individual, a “chronic”, or a hard-to-heal wound, can cause significant distress. The pain alone can be a major source of suffering. Social limitations and a sense of isolation are common, pain can restrict mobility, and the odor from an infected wound can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment.

From a broader health-economic perspective, the increasing number of elderly individuals presents a significant challenge to the healthcare system. The cost of treating hard-to-heal wounds is relatively high for many care providers, including wound clinics, primary care centers, and home healthcare services.
Given these considerations, it is vital to understand how to treat venous leg ulcers effectively and to implement preventive strategies.