Understanding Wounds

Diabetic foot ulcers form as a result of skin tissue breaking down and exposing the layers underneath.

Venous leg ulcers can occur when the veins in your legs do not push blood back up to your heart as well as they should. Blood backs up in the veins, building up pressure. Increased pressure and excess fluid in the affected area can cause an open sore to form.

Lacerations go through all the layers of the skin and into underlying tissue like muscle or bone. Lacerations of the extremities including legs, arms, feet, and hands may involve tendons, nerves, and arteries.

Dehiscence is a common complication of surgical wounds, involving the breaking open of the surgical incision along the suture.

Pressure ulcers are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a special technique that utilizes both pathology and surgery to remove skin cancer. Post-surgery there may be an open wound, a skin graft, or stitches requiring care.