What steps can I take to support my healing journey?
Living with a venous leg ulcer can be challenging, and healing may take time. This page provides simple information and practical tools to help you manage your condition and support healing. Taking an active role in your care can make a positive difference to your recovery and overall well-being.
Resources and guidance
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Explore simple information on wound care, compression therapy, infection prevention, and other topics to help support your healing journey.
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A guide to VLU care: A guide to support you in your healing journey with practical advice and a simple goal setting diary.
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Goal tracker: Take control of your progress by stetting clear achievable goals and tracking your daily habits.
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Get the most from your compression therapy: Support your compression therapy with 5 daily exercises.
Read more about venous leg ulcer management
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Wound care | 1 min read Why compression therapy is important
You may be wondering why you need compression therapy. Compression therapy is a key phase for venous leg ulcer treatment because it improves blood flow, reduces swelling, and helps the ulcer to heal. Wearing your compression therapy as advised by your doctor or nurse can also help reduce the risk of ulcers returning.
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Wound care | 1 min read What can I do to support my venous leg ulcer?
While your nurse or doctor helps you with the right treatment plan for your venous leg ulcer, the choices you make every day at home can support healing. Small, consistent actions and daily choices to help your leg ulcer healing at home will improve your health and wellbeing. Maintaining healthy habits, such as eating and drinking well and staying active, can help reduce the risk of your venous leg ulcer recurring after it has healed.
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Venous leg ulcers | 1 min read Signs of an infected venous leg ulcer
What is a venous leg ulcer? A venous leg ulcer is an open wound on your lower leg or ancle that hasn't healed after two weeks. It can happen if veins in the legs are weakened. Our veins carry blood back to the heart, with the help of small valves to keep it flowing in the right direction.
How to tips & tricks
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A guide to VLU care
Listen to Luxmi Dhoonmoon (Tissue viability nurse, UK) explain how the Patient booklet for Venous leg ucler can help you understand your treatment, build healthy habits, track progress, and support your healing.
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4 daily exercises to support your healing journey
Taking small actions every day can make a difference! Movement activates your calf muscles, helping blood to pump back to your heart, reducing swelling, the feeling of heavy legs and supporting wound healing.
You are not alone
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Wound Stories: Living with venous leg ulcers
This touching short film shares the experiences of people living with venous leg ulcers. They open up about the pain, the sense of isolation, and their hopes for a better future. It's a glimpse into their daily struggles and the strength they find to keep moving forward.
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Watch Janette´s healing story
"It started when I woke up one morning doing my normal routine, changing my dressing, then one of my veins popped. I got scared because this one was serious."
Frequently asked questions
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Can I travel with a leg ulcer?
You can travel short distances with a venous leg ulcer but long flights are not recommended. This is because the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots increase if you have vein issue. Always speak to your nurse or doctor before booking any flights.
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Can I shower?
Yes, you can usually shower with a venous leg ulcer. If you’re wearing a compression bandage, do not remove it—use a waterproof cover to keep it dry. Ask your nurse for guidance on how to shower with your bandage in place. When showering, avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals that could irritate your skin. Always follow your nurse advice for the best care.
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Do I need to wear my compression dressing at night?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to wear your compression dressing at night unless your nurse advises otherwise. Keeping the dressing on helps maintain consistent pressure, which is important for healing and reducing swelling. If you have concerns or experience discomfort, be sure to discuss them with your nurse.
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How can I manage pain?
Elevate your legs above heart level when resting. This can help reduce pain and swelling by improving circulation. Engage in gentle exercises or stretches as advised by your nurse or physical therapist. Practice deep breathing, meditation, to help reduce stress. Talk to your nurse: Always communicate with your nurse or doctor about your pain levels.
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What do I do if my wound smells?
If your wound has a smell, it may indicate bacteria or dead tissue. Keep the area clean and continue using your dressings and compression products as directed. If the odor persists or worsens, contact your nurse for further evaluation.
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My wound itches all the time, what do I do?
Itching can be a sign of healing, but it may also indicate irritation. Avoid scratching the area, as this can cause further damage. Keep the wound clean and moisturized with appropriate products. If the itching continues or worsens, contact your nurse for advice.
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When should I change my wound dressing?
Leave the dressing on for as long as you can. This avoids disturbing the wound. If the dressing is under compression bandages, it can stay on until you change the bandage. Talk to your nurse or doctor urgently if your dressing is wet with fluid from the wound.
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Why do I need to keep a wound dressing on? Won't it heal quicker if I let the air in?
Keeping a wound dressing on is important for protecting the area from infection and further injury. Dressings provide a moist environment that promotes healing and helps new tissue grow. Letting air in can dry out the wound, potentially slowing the healing process. Always follow your nurse or doctors´advice on wound care.
Related articles
Read all-
Wound care | 1 min read What can I do to support my venous leg ulcer?
While your nurse or doctor helps you with the right treatment plan for your venous leg ulcer, the choices you make every day at home can support healing. Small, consistent actions and daily choices to help your leg ulcer healing at home will improve your health and wellbeing. Maintaining healthy habits, such as eating and drinking well and staying active, can help reduce the risk of your venous leg ulcer recurring after it has healed.
-
Wound care | 1 min read Why compression therapy is important
You may be wondering why you need compression therapy. Compression therapy is a key phase for venous leg ulcer treatment because it improves blood flow, reduces swelling, and helps the ulcer to heal. Wearing your compression therapy as advised by your doctor or nurse can also help reduce the risk of ulcers returning.
-
Venous leg ulcers | 1 min read Signs of an infected venous leg ulcer
What is a venous leg ulcer? A venous leg ulcer is an open wound on your lower leg or ancle that hasn't healed after two weeks. It can happen if veins in the legs are weakened. Our veins carry blood back to the heart, with the help of small valves to keep it flowing in the right direction.
-
Wound care | 1 min read How can I tell if I have an infection?
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Wound care | 2 min read Support your healing by making the right choices
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Wound care | 1 min read Why is compression important?
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Wound care | 1 min read What can I do to heal my venous leg ulcer?
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Wound care | 1 min read What is a venous leg ulcer?
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Wound care | 1 min read How to lower risk of infection