Skin ulcers are areas of skin tissue loss where normal healing is impaired: the re-epithelialisation process is slowed or blocked and the wound does not close within the usual time frame. They may be related to tumours, pressure or decubitus ulcers, neurological problems (including diabetic neuropathy, often in the lower limbs) or to vascular disease such as venous or arterial insufficiency. Depending on how long the inflammatory process persists, ulcers are classified as acute or chronic.

Typical symptoms include pain, swelling (oedema), redness and sometimes bleeding or oozing from the lesion. Prevention is based on a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre, adequate hydration, regular moderate exercise, avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and good skin care with emollient creams to keep the skin well hydrated.