Symptom guide · Dermatology & Aesthetics
Skin Ulcer
What skin ulcer can point to, how urgent it is, and who assesses it in the UAE.
Also known as open sore, ulcerated skin
This needs a prompt medical assessment
Skin ulcer has many causes and most of them are not cancer — but it is on the list of features that doctors investigate quickly rather than watch. Getting it checked early is what makes the difference.
Go now if any of these apply
- A new lump, or a lump that is growing, hard, or fixed in place
- A symptom that has persisted for more than three weeks without improving
- Unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fatigue
- Bleeding that is unexplained — in stool, urine, when coughing, or after the menopause
- A mole or skin lesion that is changing in size, shape, colour, or is bleeding
Book a doctor's appointment within the next few days and say how long the symptom has lasted. Ask specifically whether an urgent referral or a scan is warranted.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Also known as
- open sore, ulcerated skin
- Body region
- Skin
- Care area
- Dermatology & Aesthetics
- Conditions linked
- 4
Possible causes
Conditions that can cause skin ulcer
Listed alphabetically. This list is not ranked by likelihood.
- Basal Cell CarcinomaCommon among people with basal cell carcinoma.
- Pyoderma GangrenosumCommon among people with pyoderma gangrenosum. Long-term condition.
- Squamous Cell CarcinomaCommon among people with squamous cell carcinoma.
- Stasis DermatitisCommon among people with stasis dermatitis. Long-term condition.
These figures describe how often each condition causes this symptom — not how likely it is that this symptom is caused by that condition. Most symptoms have a common, harmless explanation.
Treatment by cause
How the causes of skin ulcer are treated
Treatment follows the diagnosis, not the symptom. Each row is a linked condition and a treatment used for it.
| If the cause is | Treatment used | Line |
|---|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Surgical Excision | First line |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Mohs Surgery | First line |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Skin Cancer Surgery | First line |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Tumour Removal Surgery | First line |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Surgical Excision | First line |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Skin Cancer Surgery | First line |
| Pyoderma Gangrenosum | Oral Corticosteroid Treatment | First line |
| Stasis Dermatitis | Topical Corticosteroids | First line |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Mohs Surgery | Second line |
| Pyoderma Gangrenosum | Biologic Therapy | Second line |
| Stasis Dermatitis | Sclerotherapy | Second line |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Imiquimod Treatment | Third line |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Photodynamic Therapy | Third line |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Radiotherapy | Third line |
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Dermatology & Skin Care in Dubai
Where skin ulcer is assessed depends on what is causing it. These are licensed dermatology & skin care listed in Dubai.
Wafi Mall - 1st Floor - Code “B”/ Entrance - Gate 3 Oud Metha Rd - inside the mall - Umm Hurair Second - Dubai Healthcare City - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Insurance Accepted
Al Ferdous 4, Al Wasl Road 603, AL SAFFA FIRST, Dubai
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +24 more
The mall, Jumeira Street 856a, UM SUQAIM SECOND, Dubai
Accepts: Thiqa, AXA, Bupa Global, Dubai Insurance Company +10 more
The Arcade, 4 Street 8, Al Garhoud, Dubai
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +26 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Related symptoms
Other skin symptoms
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Who assesses this in the UAE
These are the specialties that treat the conditions linked to this symptom. Every listed doctor holds a UAE licence.
Questions people ask
Can skin ulcer be a sign of basal cell carcinoma?
Yes. Skin ulcer: common among people with basal cell carcinoma. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can skin ulcer be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma?
Yes. Skin ulcer: common among people with squamous cell carcinoma. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can skin ulcer be a sign of pyoderma gangrenosum?
Yes. Skin ulcer: common among people with pyoderma gangrenosum. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can skin ulcer be a sign of stasis dermatitis?
Yes. Skin ulcer: common among people with stasis dermatitis. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Keep reading
More about skin ulcer
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.