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Side Effect: Skin Ulcer

What is a Skin Ulcer?

A skin ulcer is a type of wound that occurs when skin breaks down and the underlying tissue is exposed.

Skin ulcers are typically slow to heal and can become a chronic problem if left untreated.

What do Skin Ulcers look like?

Who gets Skin Ulcers?

Skin ulcers can occur for many reasons and can develop on different parts of the body. Some causes of skin ulcers include:

In patients receiving radiation therapy for cancer treatment, skin damage can occur which can sometimes lead to the development of skin ulcers.

Additionally, skin cancers such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma can also become ulcerated.

Certain chemotherapy agents can also increase the risk of developing skin ulcers or make it difficult for wounds to heal. These medications include:

How do you prevent Skin Ulcers?

Ways to prevent skin ulcers can include:

How do you treat Skin Ulcers?

References

1. Zaidi SRH, Sharma S. Pressure Ulcer. [Updated 2024 Jan 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553107/.

2. Abid A, Hosseinzadeh S. Foot Ulcer. [Updated 2022 Sep 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557778/.

3. Güneri P, Epstein JB, Bolukbasi G, Spielberger RT. Neutropenic ulcers in oncology: terminology, diagnosis, and management. Support Care Cancer. 2023 Nov 22;31(12):716.

Barricklow Z, DiVincenzo MJ, Angell CD, et al. Ulcerated cutaneous melanoma: a review of the clinical, histologic, and molecular features associated with a clinically aggressive histologic phenotype. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:1743-1757.

4. McDaniel B, Badri T, Steele RB. Basal Cell Carcinoma. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482439/.

5. Guggina LM, Choi AW, Choi JN. EGFR inhibitors and cutaneous complications: a practical approach to management. Oncol Ther. 2017;5:135-148.

6. Johnson KE, Wilgus TA. Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis in the regulation of cutaneous wound repair. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2014;3(10):647-661.

Created: May 5, 2024 Updated: May 5, 2024