Introduction

Standard ulcer care includes:

• wound cleansing and debridement
• diagnosing and minimising oedema (see Oedema and ulcer and wound healing)
• treating infection, if present (see Ulcer and wound infection)
• optimising wound moisture balance (see Ulcer and wound dressings).

The cornerstone of treatment is correction of venous hypertension. Evidence shows that patients with venous leg ulcers who have prompt specialist endovenous intervention have accelerated healing¹. This is the most cost effective way to manage a venous leg ulcer. Patients with a venous leg ulcer should be immediately referred to a specialist vascular service.

Compression therapy is recommended as an adjunctive therapy to vascular intervention.

Other interventions include optimising nutrition, managing pain, leg elevation, a structured exercise program, skin care and pharmacological therapies. Also address the factors affecting ulcer and wound healing.