What are the signs and symptoms of venous leg ulcers?
• Most patients with venous leg disease complain of aching pain and swelling of their legs, especially towards the end of the day. The skin of the leg can become dark brown or red in colour, or there can be an itchy red rash with scaling and crusting. Small or large varicose veins can be seen. • Venous leg ulcers are often located just above the ankle. They are usually wet and oozing, with a heavy discharge. They can be painful to touch or continuously. How are venous ulcers treated? • Once the diagnosis is confirmed, venous leg ulcers can be treated effectively by good wound care and the use of compression therapy. The latter can improve the venous flow and decrease the swelling of the legs. Compression therapy usually consists of special “elastic” bandages. The arterial blood supply of the lower limbs must be adequate (and checked to be so) before compression therapy can be used. What is the best way to prevent venous leg disease? • Once the leg ulcer is healed, it is important to pr
