In short: A skin ulcer is an open sore that is slow to heal. A wound on the leg or foot that has not healed within two weeks is usually classed as a leg ulcer and needs a proper assessment, because the cause (most often poor vein circulation) has to be treated for it to heal. People with diabetes who notice any foot wound should get it checked the same day or next working day.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist in Standish, Wigan, explains the main types of skin ulcer, how they are assessed and treated, and when to seek urgent help.

What is a skin ulcer?

A skin ulcer is a break in the skin that goes deeper than a graze and does not heal in the usual way. Ulcers most often appear on the lower legs and feet, but can occur anywhere, for example over the heels, hips or base of the spine in people with limited mobility.

What are the main types of skin ulcer?

Type	Typical features	Main cause
Venous leg ulcer	Shallow sore, usually on the inner lower leg above the ankle; swollen, itchy, discoloured or hardened skin around it	Raised pressure in the leg veins (the most common type of leg ulcer)
Arterial ulcer	Painful, punched-out sore, often on the toes, feet or shin; cold, pale foot; pain worse when the legs are raised	Narrowed arteries (peripheral arterial disease)
Diabetic foot ulcer	Often painless sore on pressure points of the foot, such as under the toes or ball of the foot	Nerve damage and reduced circulation from diabetes
Pressure ulcer	Skin damage over bony areas	Prolonged pressure from sitting or lying in one position

Less commonly, a sore that will not heal can be a skin cancer, such as a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, or can be linked to inflammatory conditions. This is another reason a non-healing wound should be assessed.

Who is more likely to get a skin ulcer?

People with varicose veins or a previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
People with diabetes, especially with reduced feeling in the feet
People who smoke, or who have peripheral arterial disease
Older adults and people with limited mobility
People living with obesity

When should you get urgent help?

Diabetes and a foot wound: contact your GP practice or diabetes foot service straight away. NICE advises urgent referral to a specialist foot care team for an active diabetic foot problem.
Go to A&E or call 999 if the leg or foot is suddenly cold, pale and very painful, if there is blackened skin, or if you have spreading redness with a high temperature or feel very unwell, as these can be signs of a blocked artery, gangrene or serious infection.
See a GP if a wound on your leg or foot has not healed after two weeks, or is getting larger, more painful or smelly.

How are skin ulcers assessed?

A clinician will ask about your health history, examine the ulcer and surrounding skin, and check the circulation in your legs. For leg ulcers, a key test is a Doppler measurement of the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI), which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm. This shows whether it is safe to use compression. Blood tests may be done to check for diabetes, anaemia and other contributing factors.

How are skin ulcers treated?

Cleaning and dressings to protect the wound and manage fluid.
Compression therapy with bandages or stockings, the main treatment for venous leg ulcers, applied by a trained professional once arterial disease has been ruled out.
Treating the cause, such as improving diabetes control, referral to a vascular team for arterial disease or vein problems, or pressure relief for pressure ulcers.
Antibiotics only if there are signs of infection. They do not help an uninfected ulcer to heal.
Leg elevation, walking and ankle exercises to help circulation, as advised by your nurse or doctor.

Most venous leg ulcers heal within a few months with good compression care, but they can come back, so ongoing compression stockings are often recommended afterwards.

How can you lower the risk of ulcers?

Check your feet daily if you have diabetes, and attend annual foot checks.
Stop smoking and keep active.
Keep skin moisturised and protect your legs from knocks.
Raise your legs when sitting if they tend to swell.
Wear compression stockings if they have been recommended for you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I treat a leg ulcer myself?

Not on your own. Leg ulcers need an assessment to find the cause, and compression should only be applied after circulation has been checked.

Should a leg ulcer be swabbed?

Only if there are signs of infection. Most ulcers carry bacteria on the surface, so a swab without signs of infection is not usually helpful.

Why does my ulcer keep coming back?

If the underlying cause, such as vein disease, is not treated or managed with ongoing compression, ulcers often recur.

Where are leg ulcers usually treated?

Most are managed by practice nurses, community nurses or specialist leg ulcer clinics, with referral to vascular or diabetic foot specialists when needed.

Key takeaways

A leg or foot wound that has not healed in two weeks needs assessing.
Venous ulcers are the most common type, and compression is the main treatment once circulation is checked.
Any foot wound in someone with diabetes needs prompt specialist attention.
A cold, pale, painful foot or spreading infection is an emergency.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you have a wound that is slow to heal and would like a private assessment, you can book one of our private GP appointments in Standish, Wigan. We can advise on next steps and liaise with your NHS GP where ongoing care is needed.

Skin and Leg Ulcers: Types, Causes, Treatment and When to Get Help