Tropical ulcers.

We present 87 cases of chronic leg ulcers. The ages and sexes of the patients, and the symptomatology and complications, are described. The term "tropical ulcer" is inappropriate for these cases--though the term may be appropriate for certain rare acute ulcers colonized by Vincent's bacilli. For most persistent leg ulcers in the tropics, however, a general term of chronic ulcer is better--because it stimulates one to look for the cause and to treat the patient accordingly.