Table 1.

Types of chronic wounds and their underlying pathology.

Chronic Wound	Pathophysiology
Pressure ulcer	Necrosis of skin and underlying soft tissue due to prolonged unrelieved pressure, compression or friction.
Venous ulcer	Most commonly caused by venous hypertension due to faulty valves that lead to a sudden backflow of blood and increased pressure on vessel walls.
Arterial ulcer	Ischemic ulcers caused by obstructions that narrow arterial lumen such as embolisms or atheroma.
Diabetic ulcer	Commonly affects the lower extremities of the body. Loss of sensation (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), and existing vascular conditions contribute to foot ulcers.