Skin ulcers are areas of skin that break open and cause a crater-shaped sore. Several different medical conditions and situations can cause skin ulcers to develop on the body. Some ulcers are preventable, while others occur due to complications from an underlying medical condition. Skin ulcers can develop and infection, ooze pus and bleed. Treatments for skin ulcers depend on the cause and severity of the condition.
Diabetes
Individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus can develop ulcers, especially on the feet. The ulcers occur due to increased pressure on the food from tight shoes. Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in the feet and the affected individual may not feel the injury to the foot from tight shoes. Diabetes also causes a decrease in blood supply to the food, which can cause ulcers to form. Daily inspections of the feet can help prevent sores from becoming large and infected. Nail care, corns and calluses may require treatment from a physician.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, also referred to as PAD, can cause ulcers to occur on the body. PAD is a decrease in blood flow to the legs and arms due to hardening of the arteries and plaque formation in the blood vessels. The decreased amounts of blood to these areas of the body increases the risk of developing skin ulcers in the same areas. A form of peripheral artery disease includes Raynaud's syndrome. This syndrome occurs when the tiny arteries in the fingers and toes constrict due to a response to cold temperatures. Skin ulcers may occur on the fingers and toes due to a complete blockage of blood flow to the area, according to MayoClinic.com.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are large veins in the legs that twist out of shape and do not move blood effectively back to the heart. The bulging veins in the legs occur in about 60 percent of adults in the United States, with women being affected more often than men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additional symptoms of varicose veins are swelling in the ankles and feet, and skin ulcers that develop around the ankle. The skin ulcers require immediate attention from a physician in order to prevent further complications, such as skin infections.
Pressure, Friction and Moisture
Pressure, friction and moisture all contribute to the development of pressure ulcers on the body. This condition occurs primarily in individuals who are confined to a wheelchair or bed. Turning and adjusting the weight on pressure areas of the body helps prevent the condition. Common areas for pressure sores to occur include the sacrum, the shoulders, the heels and the back of the head. Moisture from bowel or bladder incontinence, and friction from turning and moving against the bed or chair can also contribute to the development of skin ulcers.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Pyoderma gangrenosum causes painful skin ulcers to appear on the body, especially the legs. Although the cause of this medical condition is unclear, about half of the individuals affected have a chronic health condition or immune system disorder. The condition begins as small red bumps that develop into painful sores. Treatment for pyoderma gangrenosum includes medications such as immune suppressants, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, according to MayoClinic.com.
