Patient Information

Venus Ulcers

Venous leg ulcers are sores that develop after veins in the legs have been damaged. Venous ulcers can be deep, they are common in the elderly, become infected easily, and may become malignant along the edges. They are common, costly to treat, and respond best to early diagnosis and treatment.

Venous insufficiency results from inadequate function in any of the following: Superficial veins, deep veins, bicuspid valves allows backflow of blood which leads to edema of the lower extremities after resulting in venous leg ulcers.

Other causes of leg ulcers are arterial insufficiency, diabetic neuropathy, pressure, and ischmia. Other less common causes include trauma, inflammation, malignancies, metabolic conditions, and infection.

Risk factors for venous leg ulcers include: history of leg injury, obesity, phlebitis, family history of varicose veins, employment or activities that require sitting or standing for long periods of time, deep vein thrombosis and previous vein surgery.

Symptoms: swelling, aching (may improve with elevation of limb), pain, dependent edema, varicose veins, discoloration of skin (reddish/brown), venous dermatitis (red, scaling, itching).

Diagnosis: Physical exam shows clinical criteria for venous ulcer, ultra sound, bone scan, and biopsy.

Treatment goals for venous leg ulcers: Decrease swelling; decrease pressure in veins, healing without complications. These goals will be accomplished with use of one or a combination of the following:

1. Concpression bandages, graduated compression hosiery, pneumatic sequential compression pumps

2. Diuritics (cautiously)

3. Oral antibiotics

4. Skin graft

5. Unna boot

6. Transparent occlusive dressing

7. Hydrocolloid dressing

8. Growth factor