Leg ulcers

Abstract

This article aims to explain the difference between venous and arterial leg ulcers, methods of treatment and prevention for each kind of ulcer, and the social and emotional impact of venous ulcers.

Effects of venous leg ulceration on patients’ quality of life

“…There are beTween 70,000 and 190,000 individuals with an open ulcer at any one time in the UK, and annual costs to the nhS, mainly in primary care services, are estimated to be £200 million (Posnett and Franks 2007). Chronic venous leg ulceration is a serious condition, usually attributed to venous insufficiency, and recurrence is common (Morris and Sander 2007) (Figure 1). research indicates that the prevalence of chronic venous leg ulcers increases with age, therefore the number of people with leg ulcers is likely to increase as life expectancy in the UK continues to rise (Posnett and Franks 2007).…”

“…The psychological and social effects of leg ulceration on the patient are often overlooked because nursing staff focus mainly on the clinical aspects of wound care (husband 2001, rich andMcLachlan 2003). evidence indicates that community nurses spend a significant proportion of their time treating patients with leg ulcers (Morris and Sander 2007), therefore they need to adopt a holistic approach to patient care and demonstrate an understanding of the complex effects of chronic leg ulcers on patients' quality of life.…”

‘When Can I be Free from My Miserable Leg?’ A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Experiences of Chronic Leg Ulceration in Primary Healthcare

“…Chronic leg ulcer is usually associated with prolonged ill-health requiring ongoing management over many years or a lifetime. The treatment and management of patients with leg ulcer are mainly carried out in primary healthcare and community care where nurses spend approximately half of their time treating patients with leg ulcers [3,8].…”

A large Italian observational multicentre study on vascular ulcers of the lower limbs (Studio Ulcere Vascolari)

“…Among these drugs, pentoxifylline, flavonoids and sulodexide are considered as beneficial adjuvant treatment to the compression therapy . Finally, arterial ulcer care includes management of identified vascular risk factors, patient education to maximise peripheral perfusion and local dressing routines reflecting the principles of moist wound healing .…”