Skin ulcer

Last updated: Friday, 14, January, 2011
Key InformationAppropriate Tests

Predisposing conditions

The microbiology of skin ulcers is complex and findings need to be interpreted in the clinical context.

Wound swab - microscopy and culture.

Lesion biopsy, if appropriate, for culture and histology to exclude mycobacterial and unusual fungal infections and malignancy.

See Skin abscess

Decubitus ulcer

Diabetes mellitus

Arterial insufficiency

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Thromboembolism
See Thrombosis - arterial.

Venous stasis

See also Thrombosis - venous.

Trauma

Neuropathy

Neoplasia

Infection

See Skin abscess

Vasculitis

Pyoderma gangrenosum

Gouty tophus

See Gout

Cold related disorders

Factitious

Sickle cell anaemia

See Sickle cell disorders

Hereditary spherocytosis