Skin Ulcer
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Sores or ulcers of the skin
Pits on the fingertips
Skin erosion
Fingertips have dimples or dents
Breakdown of the outer layers of the skin
Loss of top layer of skin
Surface of the skin has come off
The surface os a skin lump has eroded or been lost
About the Symptom
Erosion is a superficial, focal loss of part of the epidermis which is the top layer of the skin. These can be seen with infections, skin cancers, inflammation, and auto immune diseases.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Swelling of the affected area
- Recent weight loss
- Fever
- Numbness / sensory disorder
Possible Causes
Generally, Skin ulcer can be related to:
- Radiation Dermatitis
This refers to skin inflammation caused by exposure to radiation.
- Pyoderma Gangrenosum
It is a non-inflammatory, non-infectious skin condition that causes large, painful skin ulcers to develop. These begin as small red bumps or blisters. The cause is unknown, but it is associated with immune system disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
- Pyogenic Granuloma
Pyogenic granulomas are usually solitary raised "juicy appearing" red skin bumps. They bleed easily due to the large number of blood vessels at the site. These growths are noncancerous (benign) and typically form as a result of an injury.
- Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)
- Buerger's Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)
- Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
- Diabetic Gangrene
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Genital Herpes
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Skin ulcer may be related to these serious diseases:
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
This serious condition affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing rashes, blisters, and peeling. It can be life threatening. The cause may be a reaction to medication, an infection, or environmental and genetic factors. Those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have areas of irritated or peeling skin?
- How often do you experience areas of irritated or peeling skin?
- Do you have dents or dimples on your fingertips?
- How have the skin sores or ulcers changed since they first appeared?
- How long have you had skin sores or ulcers this time?
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Fingertips are pitted and dented
- Dents or dimples on fingertips
- Fingertips have pits
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Armstrong A.A. Approach to the clinical dermatologic diagnosis. In: UpToDate, Post TW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA. (Accessed on Dec 6, 2023)