If a non-healing ulcer is present after treatment of venous insufficiency, what is indicated?

When a non-healing ulcer is present after the treatment of venous insufficiency, performing a skin biopsy at the margin of the ulcer is indicated. This procedure is essential to determine if there are underlying issues, such as malignancy or specific pathologies, that could be contributing to the ulcer's failure to heal. The biopsy allows for the examination of tissue, which can aid in identifying infections, inflammatory conditions, or other skin disorders that may not have been evident through physical examination alone.

In cases where venous insufficiency is suspected as the cause of the ulcer, a biopsy is particularly crucial if the ulcer has not responded to standard treatments. It helps to rule out other potential causes of ulceration that require different therapeutic approaches. Overall, a skin biopsy at the ulcer margin is a critical step in diagnosing and managing non-healing ulcers effectively.