Skin ulcers occur as open sores which are caused by the reduced or lack of blood flow. When an injury occurs, good blood flow helps to heal the injury. However, in cases of poor blood flow, the injury will not heal properly and, over time, this can develop into a skin ulcer. If a skin ulcer gets infected, it should be immediately treated. Most of the ulcers usually occur on the leg and their treatment options differ based on the type of ulcer.

The different types of skin ulcers are as follows:

• Decubitus ulcers
  These ulcers are caused when continuous pressure is applied to the skin, causing friction. Decubitus ulcers are thereby commonly known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers. These ulcers usually occur near the bones, as bones can exert extra pressure on the skin from time to time. The different parts of the body that get affected by these ulcers are hips, ankles, heels, back, and buttocks.
• Venous skin ulcers
  When the blood circulation in the legs is poor, the problem arising would be venous muscles. These ulcers occur on the leg between the knee and ankle. It has been found that 80 to 90 percent of the leg ulcers are venous ulcers.
• Arterial skin ulcers
  These ulcers are also known as ischemic ulcers. These ulcers occur from poor blood circulation in the arteries due to blockage. These ulcers can cause severe pain and usually occur on the heels, toes, feet, lower leg, and outer side of the ankles. As legs remain stationary at night, the pain might increase.
• Neuropathic skin ulcers
  Narrow arteries and nerve damage leading to the development of neuropathic skin ulcers. These ulcers are also known as diabetic foot ulcers and occur on the toes, heels, and the bottom of the feet on points of pressure. As it is caused by nerve damage, it is likely that an individual may not experience pain. However, fluid outflow might happen through the ulcers. 15% of the people affected with diabetes are prone to neuropathic skin ulcers.

The best options to treat skin ulcers aim at reducing the ulcer, healing the wound and pain, and preventing any infections. The following options are:

• Antibiotics
  These are prescribed when the ulcer is infected. Oral antibiotics will be given if the infection is affecting the bone or tissue. However, ointments work well for topical infections.
• Dressing
  This is used to keep the wound clean and protect it from further damage. The type of dressing (collagen wound dressing, antimicrobial design, hydrocolloids, hydrogels, and moist dressings) will be determined by the doctor based on the ulcer.
• Pain medication
  The dressing can be slightly painful initially. However, painkillers or pain medicines may help control that aspect of ulcers.

Treating ulcers might seem like a difficult job. However, with the right medication and treatment options, the situation can be kept under control.