Therapy elements
The healing of a venous leg ulcer is not based solely on the professional treatment of the wound. Adequate compression is compulsory as venous flow is impaired. Furthermore, skin care products are required to help recover skin from mechanical stress overnight. To that end, risk factors such as excess weight and smoking must be taken into account as well.
BSN medical offers you a full range of products covering all three therapy elements of this integrated approach in order to effectively treat venous leg ulcers.
Differential diagnosis: venous or arterial ulcer?
Compression would be strictly contraindicated in case of arterial leg ulcers. In order to exclude an underlying arterial disease the patient’s ABPI (Ankle Brachial Pressure Index) should be assessed. Values below 0.8 may indicate an arterial insufficiency. In the case of values below 0.5 compression would be contraindicated.
If an arterial disease can be excluded: ensure adequate compression is applied. Use
bandages or stockings, depending on the existence of edema.
- If compression therapy is indicated, make sure it is applied with 40 mm Hg!
- Use bandages or stockings, depending on the existence of edema and patients’ compliance.