Which statement about venous ulcers is true?

• A. They are round and deep.
• B. They are circular and deep.
• C. They are irregular and deep.
• D. They are irregular and shallow.

Answer: (D)

Venous ulcers arise from chronic venous insufficiency, where venous hypertension and edema lead to superficial breakdown of the skin. This creates ulcers that are irregular in shape with uneven, jagged or undermined borders and a shallow depth, typically located on the gaiter area around the medial malleolus. In contrast, arterial ulcers tend to be round or punched-out with smooth, well-defined edges and are often deeper and more painful. So describing venous ulcers as irregular and shallow best matches how they usually present.