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Module 5.3: Lower Limb Ulcers
Topic Progress:

Venous Leg Ulcer Characteristics

Where WHAT DOES THE LEG HAVE WHY ULCER CHARACTERISTICS
  • Lower 1/3 of leg
  • Pretibial area
  • Anterior, lateral and medial malleolus
  • Reddish brown pigmentation known as haemosiderin
  • Evidence of past healed ulcers
  • Oedema that may leak and cause maceration, varicose eczema, itchy skin and scale
  • Dilated and tortuous superficial veins
  • Legs may be warm
  • Hair on legs
  • Normal leg and foot pulses
 Commonly has a history of:
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Obesity
  • Calf muscle pump function deficits
  • Valvular incompetence in superficial perforating veins
  • Ulcer has uneven edges
  • Ruddy granulation tissue
  • No dead tissue
  • Moderate to no pain at all
  • Pain is present is eased by raising the leg

(Adapted from Nurses for Nurses network, May 2015)

Ulcer Position and Size

Ulcerations are located between the knee and the ankle joint, originating on or above the malleolus and below the knee (NWCSP, 2023).