Ulcers are wounds or open sores that will not heal or keep returning. Leg ulcers may be caused by medical conditions such as: Poor circulation, often caused by arteriosclerosis, Venous insufficiency (a failure of the valves in the veins of the leg that causes congestion and slowing of blood circulation in the veins), Other disorders of clotting and circulation that may or may not be related to atherosclerosis, Diabetes, Renal (kidney) failure, Hypertension (treated or untreated)

Lymphedema (a buildup of fluid that causes swelling in the legs or feet), Inflammatory diseases including vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma or other rheumatological conditions, Other medical conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, sickle cell, anemia, bowel disorders, History of smoking (either current or past)

Pressure caused by lying in one position for too long, Genetics (ulcers may be hereditary), A malignancy (tumor or cancerous mass)

Infections, Certain medications. Venous stasis ulcers are common in patients who have a history of leg swelling, varicose veins, or a history of blood clots in either the superficial or the deep veins of the legs. Venous ulcers affect 500,000 to 600,000 people in the United States every year and account for 80 to 90 percent of all leg ulcers.

Neurotrophic ulcers occur primarily in people with diabetes, although they can affect anyone who has an impaired sensation of the feet.

Neuropathy and peripheral artery disease often occur together in people who have diabetes. Nerve damage (neuropathy) in the feet can result in a loss of foot sensation and changes in the sweat-producing glands, increasing the risk of being unaware of foot calluses or cracks, injury or risk of infection. Symptoms of neuropathy include tingling, numbness, burning or pain. It is easy to understand why people with diabetes are more prone to foot ulcers than other patients. This is why people with diabetes need to inspect their feet daily and wear appropriate footwear. People with diabetes should never walk barefoot.

At Cleveland Clinic, patients are treated by a team of world-class experts in the Lower Extremity Wound Clinic in the Department of Vascular Medicine. This Clinic includes doctors, nurses and other medical specialists. These experts work together to determine the cause of the ulcer and develop an individualized treatment program. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, speed recovery and heal the wound. Each patient's treatment plan is individualized, based on the patient's health, medical condition and ability to care for the wound. Treatment options for all ulcers may include:

• Antibiotics, if an infection is present
• Anti-platelet or anti-clotting medications to prevent a blood clot
• Topical wound care therapies
• Compression garments
• Prosthetics or orthotics, available to restore or enhance normal lifestyle function

Journal of Dermatitis is using Editorial Tracking System for quality in review process. Editorial Tracking is an online manuscript submission, review and tracking systems used by most of the best open access journals. Review processing is performed by the editorial board members of journal or outside experts; at least two independent reviewers approval followed by editor's approval is required for acceptance of any citable manuscript.

Authors are requested to submit manuscripts online or send as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at manuscripts@longdom.org