When should you see a doctor about a skin ulcer?

An ulcer is a break in the skin that may expose deeper tissue. Causes can include pressure, reduced circulation, inflammation, injury, infection, or a skin growth. Stasis Dermatitis can present with lower-leg inflammation and sores in people with venous circulation problems. Pyoderma Gangrenosum can present with painful ulcers that worsen after skin injury. Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma can present as persistent sores or lesions that bleed, crust, or fail to heal. These possibilities cannot be sorted by appearance alone.

Gently rinse with clean water, pat dry, and cover with a clean non-stick dressing. Keep pressure and friction off the site, and do not pick the wound, apply harsh antiseptics, or remove attached tissue. Note its location, size, drainage, odour, pain, and how it has changed. Tell the clinician about diabetes, circulation problems, immune conditions, medicines, and any preceding injury.

Seek urgent care for rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or swelling, severe pain, pus, bad odour, fever, chills, red streaks, black or grey tissue, heavy bleeding, or confusion. Prompt review is also needed when an ulcer exposes deeper tissue, follows a minor injury that is worsening, or affects a foot in someone with reduced sensation or circulation. Do not wait for routine care if you feel acutely unwell.

Ask what may be delaying healing, whether circulation or infection needs checking, and how often the dressing should be changed. Ask whether the appearance needs assessment for Stasis Dermatitis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Basal Cell Carcinoma, or Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and which symptoms require immediate return.