Venous ulcers

These are generally caused by venous insufficiency (accumulation of blood in the veins) in the lower limbs, linked to previous phlebitis or varicose veins (in which case they are referred to as varicose ulcers), while it is more rare for them to be caused by obstruction of the arteries in the lower limbs due to atheromas or damage to the skin capillaries. Venous ulcers are round, located at the malleoli (bony protrusions on the sides of the ankles) and along the course of the superficial veins; they are not very painful. The surrounding skin is often affected by ochre dermatitis (brown spots) or infectious dermoepidermitis (scabs and exudate).