Can leg ulcers be caused by contact dermatitis?

Aug 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, whether leg abscesses are caused by contact dermatitis depends on specific symptoms and triggers. If the abscess is triggered by contact with an allergen and is accompanied by redness and itching at the contact site, it may indicate secondary infection of contact dermatitis; if there is no clear history of contact and the main symptoms are pain and swelling, it is likely unrelated to contact dermatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the exact cause under a doctor's guidance.

Generally speaking, whether a pustular sore on the lower leg is caused by contact dermatitis needs to be determined based on specific symptoms and triggers. If the sore is caused by contact with an allergen and is accompanied by redness and itching at the contact site, it may be a secondary infection of contact dermatitis; if there is no clear history of contact and the main symptoms are pain and swelling, it is likely unrelated to contact dermatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice to determine the cause under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the lower leg has previously come into contact with allergens such as metal jewelry, cosmetics, or detergents, and typical symptoms of contact dermatitis such as redness, rash, and itching appear first, followed by skin damage from scratching leading to secondary bacterial infection and formation of pustules, this condition is considered a complication caused by contact dermatitis. In such cases, the allergen should first be avoided, and then the dermatitis and infection should be treated separately to relieve discomfort.

If there is no clear history of contact before the appearance of the pustular sore on the lower leg, and the initial presentation is mainly local swelling, pain, and pus discharge without significant itching or redness, it is more likely a skin inflammation directly caused by bacterial infection, unrelated to contact dermatitis. Such pustular sores should be treated as infections rather than as contact dermatitis.

In daily life, it is important to keep the skin on the lower leg clean and avoid scratching the affected area to prevent skin damage and infection. In terms of diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins, support skin repair, and aid in symptom relief.

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