What causes sores, blisters, and ulceration on the legs of elderly people, and what should be done about it?

Dec 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, ulcers, blisters, and skin breakdown on the legs of elderly individuals may be caused by factors such as aging and fragile skin, prolonged bed rest with pressure, diabetic foot, venous ulceration due to lower extremity varicose veins, or stasis dermatitis. Depending on the specific condition, patients can choose appropriate management approaches including conservative care, medication, or surgical treatment to improve symptoms. Skin problems in the elderly tend to heal slowly, so daily care requires patience and meticulous attention.

Generally, ulcers, blisters, and skin breakdown on the legs of elderly individuals may be caused by factors such as aging and fragile skin, prolonged bed rest with pressure, diabetic foot, venous leg ulcers due to varicose veins, or stasis dermatitis. Depending on the specific condition, patients can improve symptoms through general care, medication, or surgical treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Aging and Fragile Skin

The skin of older adults often has reduced elasticity and a thinner stratum corneum, making it prone to damage from minor friction or bumps, which can lead to infections, sores, blisters, and ulceration. Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid injury, clean the legs with lukewarm water, and protect ulcerated areas with sterile dressings.

2. Prolonged Bed Rest and Pressure

Remaining in bed for extended periods can obstruct local blood circulation in the legs, leading to tissue ischemia, hypoxia, and necrosis, resulting in pressure ulcers accompanied by blistering and ulceration. Help the elderly person turn over every two hours, use an air mattress to reduce pressure, and regularly change dressings on ulcerated areas to maintain cleanliness.

3. Diabetic Foot

Poor blood glucose control damages nerves and blood vessels in the lower limbs, making the skin more susceptible to injury and infection, leading to sores, blisters, and ulceration. Strictly control blood sugar levels, follow medical advice for using insulin injection or metformin hydrochloride tablets, and apply mupirocin ointment locally.

4. Venous Leg Ulcers Due to Varicose Veins

Impaired venous return causes blood congestion in the legs, leading to poor skin nutrition and easy breakdown, forming chronic non-healing ulcers. Avoid prolonged standing, elevate the affected limb, take medications such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) tablets or calcium dobesilate capsules as prescribed, and consider great saphenous vein stripping surgery in severe cases.

5. Stasis Dermatitis

Blood congestion in the lower limb veins triggers skin inflammation, causing redness and blisters; scratching can lead to ulceration. Apply saline wet compresses to the wound, use topical hydrocortisone butyrate cream and oral cefixime dispersible tablets as directed by a physician, and wear compression stockings to improve venous return.

Skin conditions on the legs of elderly individuals tend to heal slowly, requiring patient and meticulous daily care. Family members should closely monitor the elderly person's skin condition, conducting frequent checks and consistent care. If ulcers fail to heal over time or increase in size, seek prompt medical attention to prevent serious infections that could endanger health.

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