Patient Information

How are Venous Ulcers Treated?

Treatment of venous ulcers - goals include local wound care and correction of the underlying problem. Oral antibiotics are prescribed if there is infection and topical steroids are sometimes used for the surrounding skin irritation. The leg may be wrapped in a boot-like dressing that offers both medication soothing to the skin and compression. There are other dressings that may speed wound healing. The cornerstone of therapy for venous ulcers is the use of compression in the form of gradient compression therapy. There are new medications that contain growth factors which are not widely used but may hold hope for the future.