How to treat venous leg ulcers
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a common yet challenging condition that requires a holistic approach to treatment. Effective care involves cleansing, debridement, exudate management, and compression therapy - all essential steps in promoting healing and preventing recurrence. By choosing the right solutions, healthcare professionals can support patients in achieving better outcomes and improved quality of life.
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Treating venous leg ulcer
Cleanse
A healthy wound bed is essential to the wound healing process. Select a gentle skin cleanser with a pH close to that of the skin to cleanse the wound bed and surrounding skin.
Debride
Debridement is necessary to remove slough and devitalised tissue. Debridement pads may also be used on VLUs to remove skin plaques.
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Dress
In the battle against leakage, patients and clinicians need better options to manage exudate and prevent its spread to healthy skin.
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Moisturise
Keeping the periwound skin supple and intact supports venous leg ulcer healing and helps prevent complications like maceration and skin breakdown.
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Compress
Compression therapy is an important element of VLU care for healing and prevention. A compression system that is easy to apply correctly and is well-tolerated by patients is key.
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