Not all leg ulcers are created equal. What might look like a simple open sore could point to a much deeper circulatory issue. In fact, two of the most commonly confused wounds, arterial ulcers and venous ulcers, look similar on the surface but require completely different treatment approaches.
If you or your loved one is living with a non-healing wound, understanding the difference between these ulcer types is critical. Getting the wrong treatment can delay healing, cause pain, or even make the wound worse.
Let’s walk through how to tell the difference between an arterial vs venous ulcer, what causes them, and how you can manage them safely with the right care.
What Is an Ulcer, Exactly?
An ulcer is more than just a cut. It’s an open wound that doesn’t heal normally and typically forms over time due to poor blood flow. Unlike minor injuries, ulcers are deeper, harder to treat, and prone to infection.
Ulcers usually fall into one of two categories:
Arterial ulcers (caused by too little blood reaching the skin)
Venous ulcers (caused by too much blood pooling in the veins)
What Causes These Ulcers?
Understanding what’s behind the wound is the first step in effective treatment.
Arterial Ulcers
These develop when the arteries that carry blood away from the heart become narrowed or blocked. As a result, oxygen-rich blood can’t reach the lower legs or feet.
Common causes include:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Diabetes
Smoking
High cholesterol or blood pressure
The tissues become starved for oxygen, making healing difficult or impossible without help.
Venous Ulcers
These occur when blood can’t flow properly back to the heart and starts to pool in the veins. The pressure causes the skin to break down over time.
Causes include:
Chronic venous insufficiency
Damaged valves in the leg veins
History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Prolonged standing or immobility
Venous ulcers are more common in older adults and those with mobility challenges.
Location Clues: Where Is the Ulcer?
Sometimes, the location of a wound can offer clues about what’s causing it.
Arterial ulcers tend to appear on the toes, heels, or pressure points of the foot.
Venous ulcers usually form just above the ankle, especially on the inner side of the leg.
Both can become infected, but their underlying causes and treatment are different.
What Do They Look Like?
Here’s how to spot the difference visually:
Arterial Ulcers
Wound looks punched out or deep
Skin around it is shiny, dry, or cool
Often painful, especially when legs are elevated
Surrounding skin may be pale or black (dead tissue)
Little or no bleeding
Venous Ulcers
Edges look irregular or wet
May leak fluid or appear swollen
Surrounding skin might be dark brown or hard
Pain usually improves when the leg is raised
Skin nearby may itch or flake
The symptoms often overlap, so professional evaluation is always recommended.
Why the Right Diagnosis Matters
If you treat the wrong type of ulcer the wrong way, it could make healing worse.
For example:
Compression therapy helps venous ulcers but can be harmful for arterial ulcers.
Dry dressings might be good for arterial ulcers, but venous wounds need moisture balance.
That’s why having a wound care nurse assess the wound at home can help ensure treatment is tailored correctly.
How Is Each Ulcer Treated?
Treating Arterial Ulcers
Keep wound protected and dry
Avoid compression wraps
Improve circulation through walking, if approved
Surgical procedures may be needed to restore blood flow
Pain management is often necessary
Monitor closely for signs of infection
Treating Venous Ulcers
Compression therapy (with special bandages or stockings)
Elevate legs often
Clean wound gently with saline or prescribed solution
Apply dressings that manage moisture
Monitor for infection or excessive swelling
Each plan must be built around the patient’s mobility, circulation status, and overall health.
Why Home Wound Care Makes a Difference
For patients in Las Vegas or Henderson, leaving home for frequent wound care appointments can be exhausting and even risky. That’s where One Call Wound Care steps in.
Our licensed nurses provide:
At-home assessments of ulcers
Customized dressing changes
Compression therapy (for venous ulcers)
Pain relief support
Close monitoring for signs of infection
Education for caregivers
Our goal is to bring advanced wound care directly to your home, improving comfort, healing, and peace of mind.
Tips to Prevent Ulcers From Worsening
Here are some daily actions that support healing and reduce risks:
Wear comfortable, supportive footwear
Keep blood sugar under control (especially for diabetics)
Avoid smoking
Stay hydrated and eat high-protein meals
Do not ignore new pain or color changes near a wound
Elevate your legs when sitting, if advised
Early care prevents late complications.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether you or a loved one has an arterial vs venous ulcer, the answer isn’t always clear without professional guidance. What’s important is to act early, ask for help, and avoid guessing.
Both types of ulcers can heal with the right diagnosis and consistent care.
Need help at home?
OneCallWoundCare.com offers trusted home wound care services in Las Vegas and Henderson, specializing in hard-to-heal wounds like these.