Leg Ulcers

A Leg Ulcer is simply a break in the skin of the leg, which allows air and bacteria to get into the underlying tissue. This is usually caused by an injury, often a minor one that breaks the skin. Usually an injury will heal up without difficulty within a week or two. However, when there is an underlying problem the skin does not heal and the area of breakdown can increase in size. This is a chronic leg ulcer. The most common underlying problem causing chronic leg ulcers is disease of the

veins

of the leg. Venous disease is the main reason for over two thirds of all leg ulcers. Treatment can range from compression and elevation of the limb to surgery. Surgery would be undertaken by a

Vascular Surgeon

.