In this non-comparative clinical evaluation, 36 subjects with venous leg ulcers, 85% of which were indolent or deteriorating, were treated with Urgotul lipidocolloid wound dressing and the K-Four multilayer compression bandaging system for 12 weeks or to healing--whichever occurred first. Results show that Urgotul was an ideal dressing in combination with K-Four, being easy to apply (98.7%) and remove (98.1%), and largely pain-free (95.6%) and non-adherent (99.7%). In a patient group of "hard-to-heal" ulcers, 50% of the ulcers healed within the treatment period. Ulcers not healed after 12 weeks achieved almost 50% area reduction on average. The treatment combination proved safe, with only one of seven adverse events reported being probably related to the products used. This study supports the use of a combination of Urgotul dressing and K-Four compression to provide a "matched" treatment for venous leg ulcers.

Treating lymphoedema in patients with critical arterial disease can be contraindicated. This case study describes current methods of managing lymphoedema in a patient with arterial disease and leg ulcers. The patient, a 65-year-old male, had paraplegia and lower-limb lymphoedema with leg ulceration for 18 years, as well as arterial disease. The patient was referred to the lymphoedema/vascular service in 2013. Duplex ultrasound indicated superficial femoral occlusion. The arterial disease was treated with an angiogram and angioplasty, and when the blood supply was improved, the lymphoedema was treated. Emphasis was placed on self-care and reducing the need for community nurse involvement. Selfcare included compression bandaging, use of FarrowWrap, low-level light therapy, and ulcer dressings. Outcomes were measured using a telemedicine software programme. The patient's lymphoedema was reduced, leg ulcers healed, and quality of life transformed.

Self-management and the use of adjustable velcro compression wraps are not new concepts and quite often both can form part of the maintenance phase of treatment in those with lymphoedema or lipoedema, as well as those diseases in which compression therapy is advised as long-term management. The aim of this article is to identify some aspects that contribute to effective self-management and how the use of easywrap adjustable velcro compression wraps have improved quality of life for those with lymphoedema, chronic oedema and lipoedema. Case studies are given from patients to demonstrate the individual experience of living with lymphoedema or lipoedema, how this has impacted on daily life, and how using easywrap has helped as part of self-management.