Yes some leg ulcers do smell as they are healing.
The bad smell from the leg ulcer can be caused by dead tissue and is normal.
Unless the leg ulcer gets really smelly then it's normal but if the leg ulcer gets really smelly then see a doctor or go to urgent care.
The leg ulcer that is smelling really bad could be infected so see a doctor if the smell of the leg ulcer gets worse.
Leg Ulcers do sometimes hurt while they are healing.
So if you experience pain with the leg ulcer while it's healing then it's usually nothing to worry about unless the pain gets worse.
There's also another type of leg ulcer called a venous leg ulcer that causes more pain while healing as well.
If the leg ulcer is being properly treated and cared for then the leg ulcer should fully heal within 2 to 3 months.
In rare cases some more serious leg ulcers never fully heal or heal at all.
But you need medical treatment to get the leg ulcer to fully heal and prevent infection.
Leg ulcers are treated by a healthcare professional trained in compression therapy and then you have to dress and care for the wound.
If left untreated then the leg ulcer may get worse so you should always see a doctor or go to urgent care to get treatment for the leg ulcer so that it doesn't get further infected.
Leg ulcers can be painful while healing which is normal and the leg ulcer should be healed up within a few months or so but if not then see a doctor about it.