A review of the treatment for venous leg ulcers.

Venous ulcers, sometimes termed varicose or stasis ulcers, are a consequence of damage to the valves in the veins of the legs, leading to raised venous pressure. They are characterized by a cyclical pattern of healing and recurrence. There is a need to have a thorough assessment of patients with leg ulcers by an appropriately experienced clinician to maximize the chance of healing the ulcer. The main treatment is the application of compression, either in the form of compression bandages or hosiery. Dressings are applied beneath the compression with a view to controlling exudate, comfort and to aid healing. There are a large number of dressing products and types available but the evidence to justify their use is poor. The main treatment for venous ulcers should therefore be the application of compression therapy with a simple, low adherent dressing.