Background: An ulcer is a discontinuity of an epithelial surface. There is usually progressive destruction of surface tissue. Chronic ulceration of the lower legs is a relatively common condition amongst adults, one that causes pain and social distress. The prevalence of active leg ulceration has been found to be 0.15%. The common causes are venous disease, arterial disease and neuropathy. The prevalence of leg ulcers has considerable variation geographica1ly and within ethnic group. No adequate literature on prevalence and aetiopathogenesis of chronic leg ulcers in Eastern Indian population is present till date.

Objectives: To study the prevalence and aetiopathogenesis of chronic leg ulcers in Eastern Indian population.

Methods: A prospective study was carried out in Sri Rama Chandra Bhanja medical College, Cuttack in the year 2019. Detailed history and examination findings of 60 patients who had presented with chronic leg ulcers were studied.

Results: The incidence rate of chronic leg ulcers among patients presenting to OPD was 0.14%. Males in rural area had higher incidence with a peak in middle age group, i.e, 41-50 years. Most common aetiology was found to be leprosy (60%) followed by venous ulcer (16.6%) and diabetic ulcer (11.6%).

Conclusion: Incidence of chronic leg ulcers in Eastern Indian population is comparable to that of other literature available and leprosy is still a common cause of chronic leg ulcers unlike seen in studies from other regions.

Keywords: Chronic leg ulcers, Eastern India, aetiopathogenesis.

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Dr Swapnarani Behera

Associate Professor, Department of Skin & Venereal Diseases, SCB MCH, Cuttack, India