Swelling of the foot, ankle and leg can be bad enough to leave a dimple, also known as a pit, in the skin after pressing on the area. This swelling, called edema, is the result of too much fluid in the tissues. Congestive heart failure or the vein not working well, also known as venous insufficiency, is often the cause.

On the other hand, heart failure is considered to be a risk factor for venous ulceration.2 In addition, fluid accumulation in the legs involves skin stretching and the possibility of detachment at the dermoepidermal junction, with the appearance of fissures, erosions and/or blisters.