Venous leg ulcers.

Abstract

Venous ulcers are the most common form of leg ulcers and their incidence is increasing as the population ages. The diagnosis should be confirmed with tests for venous insufficiency and an assessment of arterial disease determined by a Doppler Ankle-Brachial ratio. The most important component of venous ulcer treatment is the use of high compression bandages for pitting edema. Non-healing ulcers may require a skin biopsy of the edge to confirm the diagnosis, medical treatment for woody fibrosis, adjustment of compression therapy, or use of a skin substitute or biological preparation.