Open sore on skin that will not heal

A sore can remain open when it is repeatedly rubbed, picked or exposed to moisture. Other possibilities include infection, reduced blood flow, pressure, an inflammatory skin condition or an injury that has not closed properly. A basal cell carcinoma may appear as a sore that bleeds or crusts and returns, while a squamous cell carcinoma can present as a persistent rough, scaly or ulcerated area. These conditions cannot be identified reliably from appearance alone.

Arrange a clinician review and describe when the sore began, whether it bleeds, and what has been tried. Until then, rinse gently with clean water, pat dry and cover with a non-stick dressing if clothing rubs it. Do not pick the crust, apply unprescribed steroid or antibiotic creams, or use household antiseptics that burn the skin. A clinician may examine nearby skin, check for infection and decide whether a sample is needed. Learn more about Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Seek prompt medical care if the sore is enlarging, repeatedly bleeding, increasingly painful, warm, swollen or draining pus. Urgent help is needed for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, confusion or feeling very unwell. A sore on a sun-exposed site, or one that heals and reopens, should not be ignored even when it seems small.

Ask what features are concerning, whether infection is present, how to dress the wound, and whether a biopsy or referral is appropriate. Tell the clinician about diabetes, circulation problems, immune conditions, medicines and any previous skin cancers.