 pale pink antiseptic solution) soaks may be prescribed if the leg ulcer is leaking heavily.
A dressing is then put over the ulcer. There are many types of dressings, but one of the most common is a simple non-stick fabric dressing. The dressing will be covered by a compression bandage or stocking, from your toes to your knees. These stop the damaging effects of the high pressure in the veins. Compression bandages are a “multilayer” dressing that can be in three or four layers. Alternatively, you can use compression stockings. Usually bandages are used until the ulcer has healed or nearly healed, and then stockings are used after that. The bandages will usually need to be changed and reapplied one to three times per week.
Other treatments for your ulcer might include an emollient (moisturising) cream for dry skin, antibiotics for infection, and a steroid cream for any eczema (irritation or itching) on the skin surrounding the ulcer. Sometimes the eczema around an ulcer can be due to a reaction to either the dressings that are being used to treat it, or the creams and ointments being put on around it. Lanolin, antibiotics creams, and preservatives are common causes of this.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist to investigate the blood flow and valves in the affected leg. Ultimately, if an underlying cause can be identified and treated, the ulcer can heal better.
Self help (What can I do)?
- Compression bandages or stockings work best if you exercise your leg regularly, for example by walking. If you are less mobile, exercise your leg muscles by moving your foot up and down at the ankle.
- When you are sitting down, keep your legs raised by putting your feet on a stool or a chair. Don’t sleep in a chair with your legs hanging down and avoid standing up for long periods of time.
- If you smoke, you should cut down and preferably stop.
- You should have a healthy, balanced diet to promote healing.
- Moisturise your skin regularly as the surrounding skin may be prone to dryness.
- Follow the instructions carefully when you wash your stockings or bandages. Washing them at the wrong temperatures can damage the elastic. You need to make sure they are replaced every 3-6 months because over time they lose their stretch.
- If you put on your stockings yourself, avoid turning over the tops and don’t pull them too high up your leg.
Where can I get more information?
Web links to detailed leaflets:
For details of source materials used please contact the Clinical Standards Unit (email@example.com).
This leaflet aims to provide accurate information about the subject and is a consensus of the views held by representatives of the British Association of Dermatologists: individual patient circumstances may differ, which might alter both the advice and course of therapy given to you by your doctor.
This leaflet has been assessed for readability by the British Association of Dermatologists’ Patient Information Lay Review Panel
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF DERMATOLOGISTS
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
PRODUCED AUGUST 2004
UPDATED MAY 2010, JANUARY 2014, MARCH 2017
REVIEW DATE MARCH 2020