What Are the Causes of a Venous Leg Ulcer?
Leg ulcers can occur in the veins or arteries. About 70 percent of these ulcers are venous leg ulcers, Netdoctor states. Increased blood pressure in the veins in the lower leg causes fluid to leak out of the veins beneath the skin. This results in swelling, thickening and damage to the skin, which eventually breaks down and forms an ulcer. The skin around the ulcer becomes dry, itchy or brownish in color. The ulcers are usually painless, unless infected, and often occur just above the ankle on the inside of the leg.
