Protecting Your Legs: Preventing Sores in Cold Weather

Cold weather can be hard on your skin, but for individuals with circulation issues, vein disease, or swelling, winter brings additional risks. Dry air, reduced blood flow, and heavier clothing can all contribute to skin breakdown, increasing the likelihood of sores, wounds, or ulcers forming on the legs.

While leg sores may start small, they can worsen quickly if circulation is compromised. Understanding why cold weather increases risk, and how to protect your legs, can help prevent painful complications and support long-term vascular health.

Why Cold Weather Increases the Risk of Leg Sores

Winter affects the body in ways that directly impact skin health and circulation, especially in the lower legs.

Cold constricts blood vessels

Low temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow in order to preserve body heat. For people with poor circulation, this further reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin, slowing healing and increasing vulnerability to injury.

Dry air weakens the skin barrier

Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating strip moisture from the skin. Dry, cracked skin is more likely to split, creating openings where sores or infections can develop.

Reduced activity slows circulation

People tend to move less during winter. Sitting or standing for long periods allows blood and fluid to pool in the legs, increasing pressure on the skin and slowing wound healing.

Swelling stretches fragile skin

Conditions like lymphedema cause fluid buildup that stretches the skin, making it thinner and more prone to breakdown, especially in cold weather.

Who Is Most at Risk for Winter Leg Sores

Leg sores can develop in anyone, but certain conditions increase the risk significantly during colder months:

• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Varices
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Diabetes
• Linfedema
• Poor circulation
• History of leg ulcers or wounds
• Limited mobility

If you’ve had a previous leg wound, winter is an especially important time to be proactive.

Learn more about circulation-related wounds on our Wound Conditions page.

Understanding Leg Sores and Ulcers

Leg sores are open areas of skin that fail to heal properly. When circulation is impaired, the skin doesn’t receive enough oxygen to repair itself.

Venous Leg Ulcers

Venous ulcers typically form around the ankles or lower legs and are caused by long-standing venous insufficiency. These wounds may ooze, appear shallow, and heal slowly.

Arterial Wounds

Arterial ulcers result from reduced blood flow and are often painful, especially in cold weather when circulation worsens.

Lymphedema-related skin breakdown

Swelling from lymphedema stretches the skin, increasing infection risk and slowing healing. Read more on our Lymphedema page.

How to Prevent Leg Sores During Cold Weather

While winter creates added challenges, consistent daily care can significantly reduce your risk.

Keep your legs warm — but not restricted

Warmth supports circulation, but overly tight socks, boots, or leggings can restrict blood flow. Choose loose, insulated layers that allow circulation.

Moisturize Daily

Apply fragrance-free moisturizer to your legs every day, especially after bathing. Focus on dry areas, but avoid applying lotion between toes unless instructed.

Inspect your legs regularly

Check your legs and feet daily for redness, cracks, blisters, or color changes. Early detection prevents small issues from becoming serious wounds.

Manage swelling

Elevate your legs when resting and follow provider recommendations for compression if prescribed. Swelling increases skin tension and ulcer risk.

Stay active indoors

Even gentle movements like walking, ankle pumps, or stretching improves circulation and supports skin health.

Protect your skin from injury

Avoid bumping furniture, scratching dry skin, or using heating pads directly on your legs, which can cause burns without you realizing it.

Why Early Wound Care Matters

Cold weather slows healing further, making early evaluation especially important.

Signs a Leg Sore Needs Medical Attention

Contact a specialist if you notice:

• A sore that doesn’t heal within 1–2 weeks
• Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling
• Drainage or odor
• Darkening or hardening skin around a wound
• Pain that worsens with cold exposure

Prompt evaluation helps identify the cause and prevent progression.

How Vascular Care Helps Prevent Recurrent Sores

Treating the underlying circulation issue is key to preventing repeat wounds. Vascular specialists use diagnostic imaging to identify poor blood flow and tailor treatment plans that support healing.

Addressing venous disease, arterial disease, or lymphatic issues improves long-term outcomes and reduces recurrence risk.

Preguntas frecuentes

When to Seek Care and How UVVC Can Help

If you’re noticing slow-healing sores, increased swelling, or skin changes in your legs during winter, it may be time for a professional evaluation. While cold weather can worsen symptoms, ongoing wounds often signal underlying vascular or lymphatic conditions that require medical attention.

At United Vein & Vascular Centers, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to support healing, improve circulation, and prevent future wounds.

Find a clinic near you and schedule your consultation today.

Medically reviewed by UVVC’s National Medical Director, Dr. Domenic Zambuto.