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• Veins
• Overview
• Spider Veins
• Varicose Veins
• Venous Ulcers
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Risk Factors
  • Causes
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Physicians and Services

Signs and Symptoms

Location

Venous ulcers are located below your knee and are usually found on the inner part of your leg, just above your ankles. They may affect one or both legs.

Appearance

• The base of a venous ulcer is usually red.
  
• It may also be covered with yellow fibrous tissue, and there may be a green or yellow discharge if infected.
  
• There can be significant fluid drainage.
  
• Borders of venous ulcers are irregularly shaped and surrounding skin may be discolored or swollen.
  
• It may feel hot to the touch.
  
• The skin may also appear shiny.
  
• Infection of the skin (cellulitis) often develops around a venous ulcer.
  
  • Typically, the infected skin is red, warm, swollen, and tender.
    
  • Red streaks occasionally appear.
    
  • A brown colored spot on the skin usually begins before an ulcer forms.

Signs and Symptoms

• Darkening of skin at the ankles or legs
  
• Leg pains
  
• Itching
  
• Skin appears thin, tissue-like
  
• Skin irritation of the legs
  
• Skin lesion or patch
  
• Red spots on skin
  
• Swelling of legs
  
• Thickening of skin at ankles or legs