If you or a loved one has a wound that just won’t heal, you might be dealing with a chronic skin ulcer. These types of wounds can start small but become serious over time — leading to pain, infection, or even hospitalization if ignored.
At Rebirth Advanced Healing, we help patients who feel stuck in the cycle of non-healing wounds. With the right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, chronic skin ulcers can be managed and healed.
What Is a Chronic Skin Ulcer?
A chronic skin ulcer is an open sore that doesn’t heal within four to six weeks. Unlike a minor scrape or cut, these ulcers often get worse over time, especially if there’s poor circulation, underlying disease, or continued pressure on the area.
These wounds can develop on the legs, feet, buttocks, or other parts of the body. They’re usually a sign that something deeper is going on — such as diabetes, vascular disease, or limited mobility.
What Causes Chronic Skin Ulcers?
Several conditions lead to these types of non-healing wounds:
1. Pressure and Immobility
People who spend long periods in bed or a wheelchair are at risk of developing pressure ulcers (also called bedsores). These happen when blood flow gets cut off from staying in one position too long.
2. Poor Circulation
If blood isn’t flowing properly, oxygen and nutrients can’t reach the tissue. That slows healing and can turn a small cut into a big problem:
- Venous ulcers happen when blood pools in the lower legs.
- Arterial ulcers come from blocked arteries, often tied to peripheral artery disease.
3. Diabetes
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage, especially in the feet. Many patients don’t feel injuries when they happen, so wounds go unnoticed until they’re infected.
4. Repeated Injury or Infection
Even a small wound can become chronic if it’s irritated repeatedly or not treated properly from the start.
What Do Chronic Skin Ulcers Look Like?
Each type of ulcer has its own characteristics, but many share common signs:
- A sore that hasn’t healed in over a month
- Red, swollen skin around the wound
- Drainage (clear or pus-filled)
- Pain, numbness, or a foul odor
- In some cases, black tissue (sign of serious infection or gangrene)
How Are Chronic Skin Ulcers Treated?
The first step is figuring out what’s causing the ulcer. Once that’s clear, treatment typically includes:
1. Pressure Relief
We reduce pressure on the wound using special cushions, mattresses, or offloading shoes. This is especially important for pressure and diabetic ulcers.
2. Wound Cleaning and Debridement
Removing dead or infected tissue (called debridement) helps healthy tissue grow. Keeping the wound clean and properly dressed is essential.
3. Infection Control
We monitor for signs of infection and use antibiotics when needed. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
4. Lifestyle Support
Good nutrition, blood sugar control, and quitting smoking all help wounds heal faster. Our team supports patients with practical advice.
5. Advanced Biologic Graft Treatments
When traditional methods aren’t enough, we use biologic skin grafts to jumpstart healing. These are made from natural materials and packed with growth factors that encourage new tissue and blood vessel growth.
Dr. Christopher Mason, physician-owner of Rebirth Advanced Healing, said when patients don’t see progress from months or even years of conservative wound treatment, it’s time to explore advanced options.
“In some cases, introducing a placental graft gives the wound the support it needs to start healing,” he said..
The Risk of Waiting
The longer a chronic skin ulcer goes untreated, the greater the risk of complications:
- Infections that spread to the bone (osteomyelitis)
- Hospital stays
- Permanent tissue loss or amputation
That’s why early diagnosis and expert care matter. If you or someone you love has a wound that hasn’t healed, don’t wait.
Our team specializes in tough-to-treat wounds. We’ll assess the ulcer, uncover the cause, and build a care plan designed to help you heal.
Reach out today to schedule an evaluation.
ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes for Chronic Skin Ulcers
| Code | Description |
| L89.- | Pressure ulcer (requires site and stage) |
| I83.0- | Varicose veins with ulcer |
| I70.23- | Atherosclerosis of native arteries with ulcer |
| E11.621 | Type 2 diabetes with foot ulcer |
| L97.4- | Non-pressure chronic ulcer of heel/midfoot |
| L97.5- | Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other foot part |
Common CPT Codes Used in Treatment
| Code | Description |
| 97597 | Wound debridement (first 20 sq cm or less) |
| 97598 | Each additional 20 sq cm |
| 11042 | Debridement of subcutaneous tissue (first 20 sq cm or less) |
| 11045 | Each additional 20 sq cm (used with 11042) |
| 15271 | Application of skin substitute graft (up to 25 sq cm) |
| 15272 | Each additional 25 sq cm (used with 15271) |
