Venous ulcers are areas of the lower leg where the skin has opened and exposed the flesh beneath. Ulcers can range in size from less than a quarter inch to completely encircling the leg. They are painful, odorous open wounds which weep fluid and can last for months or even years. Most leg ulcers occur when vein disease is left untreated. They are most common among older people but can also affect individuals as young as 18.